MSCBC Chorus Bio Page

THE SILK CITY CHORUS

The Silk City Chorus is a 80-man chapter of the Barbershop Harmoney Society- an international organization dedicated to preserving the particular barbershop style of singing in four-part a capella harmony.

The Manchester Chapter, organized in 1963 with 20 members, has grown during its forty- one year history to become one of the premier choruses in the state and in southern New England. During those years the chorus has won its share of Division Championships and in the past decade has consistently placed amongst the top 10 choruses in the Northeast District (New England, Eastern New York, the Canadian Maritime Provinces and the Province of Quebec).

The chorus, under the capable direction of Todd Lamson, is currently the Yankee Divisions' 2005 Champions and placed 3rd in the Providence RI District Competitions. In 2004 the chorus was given the Most Improved Chorus award as well as being the Chamionship Chorus.

The Chapter enjoys a wide diversity of membership with members from 20 to 70 years of age. Its members come from nearly 45 communities in several states. The Silk City Chorus rehearses every Monday evening at 7:15 PM at the Second Congregational Church, 385 North Main Street in Manchester, Connecticut.

The Chorus is open to all men who enjoy singing and want to experience the thrill of joining in the close musical harmony.

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Todd Lamson, Director

Todd Lamson officially joined the Silk City Chorus in 1987 when he was 11 years old. He grew up around the group, being dragged to rehearsals and performances by his dad, Alan. In the chorus Todd has held many positions including: Assistant Bulletin Editor, Program Vice President, Section Leader, Associate Director, and is now serving as Director.

Todd graduated from Manchester High School in 1992. During high school he was an active musician; participating both on saxophone and voice. He received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Plymouth State University in 1997, with an emphasis in both instrumental and vocal education and conducting. He received his Masters in Music Education from the University of Illinois in 1998 while teaching an assistantship in Choral Conducting. While there he was privileged to have studied with Deb Sheldon, Joe Grant, and Jim Keene.

He returned from Illinois in 1998 where he quickly took on the position of section leader, becoming Associate Director of the Silk City Chorus by 2002. The opportunity to assume full directorial responsibilities came in 2004.

In 1998 Todd also took a job as the Band Director at Berlin High School in Berlin – the geographic center of Connecticut. He has dedicated himself to finding out exactly how someone would calculate the geographic center of a state that is not particularly square.

Todd is excited about the opportunities and possibilities with directing a group as dynamic and motivated as the Silk City Chorus.