Eastern
Shore Choral Society (ESCS) is a non-profit 501(c)3, 50+ member all-volunteer SATB chorus organization under the direction
of Mary Katherine Kilgore with Joe Rambo as accompanist, and dedicated to (1) presenting programs of high quality vocal music
for public entertainment and personal enrichment; (2) promoting greater appreciation and enjoyment of good music, both
classical and modern, by the citizens in and around Baldwin County; (3) joining with other such organizations to provide programs
of educational or cultural benefit for the citizens in and around Baldwin County; (4) assisting Baldwin County, AL high school
age singers with scholarships for lessons or summer music camps; and (5) supporting middle and high school choral programs
in Baldwin County Schools with financial contributions.
History
Eastern Shore Choral Society was founded
in 1992 by Edna Traccarella. Edna served at the organization's first president and was an active and committed
member for many years. In 1996, ESCS endowed a scholarship fund in her honor - the Edna Traccarella Fellowship
Award Fund, nowadays called the Scholarship Fund. The first award was given that same year to Spanish
Fort School. When Edna Traccarella passed away in 1999, additional contributions were made to the Fund in
her memory and in recognition of her love of singing.
Historically, the Eastern Shore Choral Society often makes
contributions from the Scholarship Fund to Baldwin County middle and high schools with choral programs. ESCS
also holds an annual countywide voice competition for high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors in Edna's honor -
the Edna Traccarella Scholarship Competition. Scholarship monies awarded enable winners to pursue their vocal
studies.
ESCS has performed in multiple locations in Europe and twice at Carnegie Hall.
Annual Events
The
ESCS performance year begins in early September. There are two performance seasons, Fall and Spring, with a major
concert program presented at two concerts each season. In addition, the organization hosts a free musical Messiah Sing event during the Christmas season and fields a number of Small Group Performances at assisted living facilities and local
events.
The organization often participates as part of massed choirs for major choral events, such as its two
Carnegie Hall appearances and international performances during its 2007 European tour.
