Cambria  Community  Chorale
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​ A  Brief  History

Richard and Gwenn Stokes sponsored a sing-along at the Pewter Plough Playhouse for five years.   Everyone had so much fun that it evolved into a more formal singing group, and the chorale was born in 1990. Bringing a new voice to the community. Larry Larsen, a USC music major graduate, became its first director.

Jim Fitzgerald, a former music teacher and chorale director, led the group for six years. 

Ruth Fleming, a music/art major and professional opera singer in Southern California, directed the chorale for seven years.

Michael Bierbaum, directed the chorale for two years.

Next, under the direction of Barbara Weber, the chorale's talents grew with more complex musical pieces.  Barbara directed the chorale for six seasons and retired after the May 2016 season.  

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Ed Hughes accepted the position as the chorale's director at the beginning of August 2016.  Our first season under his direction was well received by members of the chorale and our audience.  Recently, for personal reasons, Ed has retired from his duties as chorale director.  We'll miss seeing Ed every Tuesday morning.  But he is always welcome to stop in and see us from time to time.  He'll be making his way back to the Bass Section when his health allows him to do so.  We're lucky to have had him as our leader.  Thank you Ed for all that you have done for all of us. 

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Effective October 2022, Ron Perry, who is a well-known musician in the local community and has worked his magic as one of our keyboard musicians in our concerts for many years, has accepted the position of chorale director. We now experience his talents, knowledge, and humor every Tuesday Morning for the joint chorale practices and as the leader of the bass and tenor instruction every Friday.  Welcome, Ron!  
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Ann Glaser,  one of the original members of the chorale  who was  active this past season,  passed on to the great chorale in the sky on 15 February 2023.  She will be missed by all. 

 
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Evolution

Over the years, the chorale has evolved into a more ambitious group that sings for multiple occasions.  Special performances such as "Hospitality Night", singing for the Presbyterian Women, and Cambria Lions Club are some of the the groups we have performed for.  Member os the chorale have entertained once a year at Casa de Flores, and Bayside in Morro Bay's transitional and residential care facilities.  In recent years, talented musicians have enhanced and enriched the chorale's music performances. 

The chorale is not only for those who love to sing and entertain but to ensure the future of music as part of the community. Money raised through concerts and private donations funds the PLF Cambria Youth Music Fund. This program provides lessons for students who show talent in vocal or instrumental music and need financial assistance to continue their training. The chorale currently supports several students in the Cambria area with personal music instruction by well-qualified individuals in the musical field.