The Enfield Community Chorus performs in 2023.
Reminder Publishing submitted photoss
ENFIELD — The Enfield Community Chorus is marking a remarkable milestone this year: 50 years of music, connection, and community.
What began as a one-time collaboration tied to the nation’s Bicentennial has grown into a lasting cultural fixture in Enfield, evolving alongside the town while staying true to its roots.
“The Enfield Community Chorus originated in 1976 when singers from local churches came together to perform as a part of Enfield’s celebrations for America’s Bicentennial,” said President Emily Clifford. “Alice Allen and Joyce Young collaborated on a musical, ‘200 Years of American Music,’ and it was such a good time that they kept singing together.” That spontaneous joy — neighbors coming together to celebrate through song—laid the foundation for what would become a decades-long tradition.
Over the years, the chorus has not only endured but thrived, thanks in large part to dedicated leadership and a strong sense of purpose. “One reason why the chorus has thrived for decades is because of the hard work and excellent leadership of founding president Mrs. Joyce Young, who stepped down a few years ago,” Clifford explained. That legacy of commitment has carried forward into the present day, with a volunteer-driven organization continuing to adapt and grow.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
The group’s resilience was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. While rehearsals and performances were temporarily paused, the chorus did not stand still. “We are a very resilient group. While we had to pause our singing during COVID, the all-volunteer Board of Directors continued our modernization efforts,” Clifford said. “We used that time to become a registered non-profit, build our social media presence and strengthen our community partnerships.” These behind-the-scenes efforts ensured the chorus would return stronger and more connected than before.
Central to the chorus’s continued vitality is its musical leadership. “We’ve had amazing music directors, too. Our current director is Juliane LaRocca, who is known for her incredible energy and creative flair,” Clifford said. That energy is reflected not only in performances but also in the group’s ability to attract new members year after year. “Every year, we attract new singers, and many singers have stayed with us for decades, growing together and making friends.”
This year’s 50th anniversary coincides with another major milestone: America’s 250th anniversary. The chorus saw an opportunity to honor both celebrations in a meaningful way. “We normally perform a winter holiday concert in December, but when we heard that Enfield was planning events around America’s 250th, we knew we had to do a Spring Concert to celebrate our 1976 origins.” Clifford said. The performance will also feature a local historical element, with “Enfield’s America 250th traveling exhibit will be on display in the lobby during our concert, a bonus for our audience.”
Titled “Stars, Stripes, and Song,” the anniversary concert reflects both national pride and musical diversity. “LaRocca selected all our songs and she named the concert ‘Stars, Stripes, and Song,’” Clifford noted. “The audience will love the variety of the first half; there’s something for everyone. And the second half will have many patriotic favorites to salute our country’s 250th birthday.” For LaRocca, the performance is also personal. “Julie is an Enfield High School grad, so directing on that stage brings everything full circle for her,” added Clifford.
At its heart, the Enfield Community Chorus is about the experience of making music together. “The Enfield Community Chorus is a fun and friendly group of about 50 singers,” Clifford said. “We love to laugh but we also work very hard to do justice to these songs, and then as the concerts come closer, everything comes together as we perform on the big stage.” That culmination is what keeps members coming back. “You look out into the audience and see your family and friends in the audience enjoying the show. It’s magic!”
Beyond the music itself, the chorus plays an important role in sustaining local arts and culture. “It’s hard to overstate the importance of groups that provide local access to arts and culture,” Clifford emphasized. She pointed to the way singing connects people across different stages of life: “Many of us have warm memories of singing in chorus when we were in middle and high school. But many people have less time for music as they get older and busy with jobs and family.” Community ensembles like the chorus offer a way to keep that connection alive. “Joining the Enfield Community Chorus ensures that you are making time to grow as a singer or a musician. There are so many cognitive, social, and health benefits that come from singing in a chorus,” Clifford said.
Looking ahead, the chorus is focused on visibility, inclusion and continuity. “Our primary wish is that everyone in the area knows about the Enfield Community Chorus,” Clifford said. “Each new member brings fresh perspectives and experiences, and we value that.” She also hopes younger generations will see music as a lifelong pursuit. “We want all those amazing young singers currently in school to know that when they are adults, they can keep music with them in the next stage of life.”
As the chorus celebrates 50 years, it remains grounded in the same spirit that sparked its creation: a shared love of singing and community. With a milestone concert on the horizon and a new generation of voices waiting in the wings, the Enfield Community Chorus is poised to carry that harmony well into the future.
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