[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE MORRIS CHORAL SOCIETY IN MORRISTOWN

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Morris 
Choral Society of Morristown, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 40th 
anniversary in the summer of 2013.
  The creation of the Morris Choral Society can be likened to that of 
the birth of a Phoenix bird. Tragically, in 1972, the United Methodist 
Church, located on the Morristown Green, burned down and as a result 
the proceeding Methodist congregations were held at Temple B'nai Or for 
the next two years as the Church was rebuilt. R. Wayne Walters, a bass 
soloist who performed at both the Temple and Church, decided to conduct 
a special Friday evening service dedicated to the generosity of the 
Temple and its Rabbi, Z. David Levy. In order to perform this service, 
chorus members from the surrounding area churches were assembled. Due 
to the success of the performance, Rabbi Levy asked Walters to keep 
this wonderful group of people together and continue performing. 
Eventually, under Walters's leadership, this collection of singers was 
incorporated under the name of Morris Choral Society in the summer of 
1973, effectively rising out of the ashes and spawning a new 
organization.
  Since the society has been formed, it has maintained a dual mission 
statement attempting, ``To make available to all residents of the 
Morris area varied choral musical programs and to give residents an 
opportunity to perform in the choral organization.'' Those who have 
been affected by the Morris Choral Society would say that its 
contributions to society have gone much farther than initially intended 
by positively impacting the choral outlook throughout Northern New 
Jersey. Additionally, MCS has garnered much public attention through 
appearances on television programs, such as NBC's ``First Estate'' 
program, and its two major concerts that are performed in Morris County 
each year. Through continuing interest, the society has grown in size 
and is open to new members via auditions.
  Furthermore, the Morris Choral Society conducts numerous, smaller 
performances during Morristown's holidays and special occasions. These 
shows generally occur during the Independence Day celebrations, the 
Holly Walk, the Fall Festival on the Green, and the First Night 
concert. Incredibly, MCS is now internationally recognized after 
memorable performances in England in 1990, Ireland in 1994, Scotland & 
Wales in 1996, France in 1998, and Italy during the summer of 2000. 
Through international travel and a growing interest in different music, 
the Society has obtained an astounding repertoire of songs dating from 
the Renaissance period to the present.
  Besides annual events, the Morris Choral Society has performed 
alongside many famous musicians during its lifetime. Unforgettable 
nights include performing with Judy Collins during her Christmas Show, 
and with Dave Brubeck in La Fiesta de la Posada in the Community 
Theatre. MCS has also sung Beethoven's Ninth Symphony under the 
celebrated Leon Hyman, collaborated with Jazz Pianist Rio Clemente, and 
performed a sold-out concert at the Morristown Community Theater in 
front of over 1,300 viewers.
  Consistently trying to excel, the Society has emphasized versatility 
in music styles ranging from contemporary American, to classical 
Broadway theatre, to even some international folk songs articulated in 
their native languages. Expanding to different venues and compiling 
diversified music is what keeps MCS ahead of most other musical 
organizations in the area.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and your colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Morris Choral Society as it celebrates its 40th 
anniversary.

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