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Colby-Sawyer College and Kearsarge Chorale Announce Collaboration to Amplify Music's Presence on Campus and in Community

On Wednesday, March 12, Colby-Sawyer College and Kearsarge Chorale signed an agreement that will enhance the college's music curriculum while providing a permanent performance venue for the Chorale and expanding the musical opportunities available to college students and area residents.

The two institutions will remain autonomous under the agreement, working under their own by-laws and governing bodies. The first concert of the Kearsarge Chorale at Colby-Sawyer College under the new agreement will take place in November.

“This is a historic collaboration that will improve and increase our musical opportunities for students, faculty and staff,” said Colby-Sawyer President Thomas C. Galligan Jr. “The Kearsarge Chorale has established itself as a leading cultural organization in our area and the college, with its long history of artistic excellence, is excited about this new collaboration.”

A regional volunteer chorus based in New London, the Chorale performs classical and contemporary pieces, and both new and experienced singers in all voice parts are welcome. The registered nonprofit organization is under the artistic direction of founder David L. Almond.

Almond has been director of music at New London's First Baptist Church since 2005. He has extensive experience as a teacher, lecturer, baritone soloist, accompanist, conductor and composer. He is an Associate of the American Guild of Organists and he is Worship Music Committee Resource Person for the N.H. Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

With the agreement, the Chorale's artistic director will also assume the position of adjunct professor at the college. Colby-Sawyer students will be eligible to audition for membership in the Chorale and will receive academic credit and recognition as Kearsarge Chorale Honors Vocalists.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the Chorale as well as the college,” said Kearsarge Chorale Board Chair Janet Howe. “The extraordinarily smooth negotiations leading up to the agreement demonstrated how unrelated organizations can work together toward the common goal of providing excellent choral experiences both for students and for area singers and their audiences.”

Colby-Sawyer supports music education with courses that offer credit for instruction in voice, piano and other instruments, as well as music appreciation. Any student may participate in the Colby-Sawyer Singers, a chorus that performs each semester and does not require an audition.

Singers interested in auditioning for the Chorale should contact Director Almond at 603-526-2110 or almondkc@gmail.com.


Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the college's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu.

Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000