Though the Alumni Chorale performed its initial season in 1978-79, the idea of forming such a unique organization began as many as seven years prior to its actual founding. That idea found its origin in two former members of the college’s Concert Choir, Ronald Poorman (’69) and Thomas Hostetter (’70), who were eager to continue to sing literature similar to their Concert Choir experience under Dr. Pierce Getz. For seven years Ron and Tom attended the post-tour campus concert of the Concert Choir, following which they attempted with regularity to persuade Dr. Getz to organize a similar organization for Concert Choir Alumni.

Each year the request was heard with appreciation, but due to time constraints was rejected. However, the seventh year proved the charm and in the summer of ’78 saw the establishment of the Alumni Chorale and with over a quarter century of excellent musical performance for the Central Pennsylvania area.

During the 2003-2004 season the Chorale celebrated its 25th anniversary with a

world premier performance of The Ninety-Sixth Psalm by Stephen Paulus. Commissioned in honor of Pierce Getz, founder and director, this exciting piece utilizes text by Mary Sidney Herbert (1561-1621) along with brass and percussion.

Over the course of its existence the Chorale has performed major works such as the Mass in B Minor by J. S. Bach, Messiah by G.F. Handel, Missa Papae Marcelli by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Gloria by John Rutter. Recently, the Chorale performed Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil Op.37 in Russian with the assistance of Loran Fevens as commentator. Mr. Fevens is the well known radio host of “The Music Box” which is broadcast on WITF each Sunday from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The Chorale is also known for its performances of shorter choral works including spirituals, folk hymns, and modern choral pieces, with careful attention paid to appropriate stylistic nuance and authentic presentation.

Over the years the Chorale has been invited to perform in Alice Tully Hall in New York City, for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association conference, the Central Pennsylvania Choral Festival, and the National Cathedral, not to mention several performances with the Harrisburg Symphony in presentations of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, The Ninth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven, Mozart’s Requiem, and Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughn Williams.

The Chorale has produced two CD’s, The Chorale Gems of J.S. Bach and A Child, My Choice, a collection of Christmas favorites performed by the Chorale through the years. Both have been received with enthusiasm by lay persons and musicians alike. Both have been featured on Mr. Fevens’ program over the years.

With the untimely passing of its long-time director, Dr. Getz in 2007, the Chorale sought to continue the work that he had begun and which was his wish. After an extensive search Gregg Mauroni became the director of the organization and has continued the tradition of providing fine music for the Central Pennsylvania community.