campus news and events

Diverse American Music the Theme of Colby-Sawyer Singers Spring Concert

NEW LONDON, N.H. – A talented group of college and community members, the Colby-Sawyer College Singers will perform a spring concert of American music featuring songs from all genres and time periods. “A Celebration of American Music” will appeal to audience members born in every decade, as the show features music ranging from ragtime to hits of the 1990s. The Colby-Sawyer Singers are directed by Susan Cancio-Bello.

“A Celebration of American Music” will be presented in Sawyer Fine and Performing Arts Center on Thursday, April 28, at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Colby-Sawyer Singers have rehearsed a repertoire of Native American songs, patriotic anthems, ragtime tunes, popular hits from the 1940-90s, spirituals and folk song selections. Staying true to American roots, the show will also feature country-western music and a medley of songs by Stephen Foster, widely regarded as the father of American music.

Cancio-Bello says that rehearsals for this concert, which features American staples such as “Beautiful Dreamer” and “You're a Grand Old Flag,” often felt like a course in American history as students studied and rehearsed songs spanning 150 years, many of which the singers were hearing for the first time.

The Colby-Sawyer Singers include Tim Axelson, Laurie Baudanza, Nicole Berthiaume, Suzanna Brown, Sabrina Corey, Emily Dionne, Sara Faust, Annalisa Giglio, Meghan Hardiman, BJ Lavoie, Christopher McCarthy, Anh Nguyen, Daphney Noel, Anthony Salvatoriello, Katherine Staiger, Cally White, Evan Wilson, Jeramey Winfield, Willie Bacote, Linda Barnes, Wally Borgen, Sam Chinoy, Alice Field, Carol Foss, Greg Johnson, Jay Lambert, Linda Lambert, Darcy Mitchell, Deborah Reed, Pam Sanborn, Michael Warning and Kara Watts. Jean Liepold will provide accompaniment for the concert.

Director Susan Cancio-Bello has a bachelor's degree in music and a master's degree in counseling, both from Appalachian State University. She also has a Music Therapy Certification from the University of Miami. Prior to her work with the Colby-Sawyer Singers, Cancio-Bello volunteered at local schools and libraries, organized the New Hampshire Troubadours, and participated in the vocal group Folk Fusion.

To learn about other upcoming events at Colby-Sawyer College visit www.colby-sawyer.edu/events.


Colby-Sawyer, founded in 1837, is a comprehensive liberal arts and sciences college located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Students learn in small classes through a select array of programs that integrate the liberal arts and sciences with professional experience.

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