I need not tell you the pandemic and its consequences have hit all of us very hard, in ways we had no way of anticipating. For those of us involved with live music performance, the past year has been particularly challenging.
Last year’s AOH Foundation Gala was, for many of us, the last opportunity we had to gather with a large group and celebrate the pleasures of vocal music. As a singer myself, it has been frustrating not to be able to participate in rehearsals and performances, all of which occupy such an important part of my life.
We have witnessed a year in which both the Ambassadors of Harmony Chorus and the affiliated youth chorus, the Recruits, have suffered disappointment in not being able to travel for the yearly barbershop events that serve as such great rewards for the hard work they put in all year long. We were especially sorry the Recruits were unable to make their planned trip to Germany.
Nonetheless, the AOH Foundation has continued its efforts to support the organizations we value so dearly. And those organizations have done their part to keep the music resounding. The large virtual audience that reveled in the beauty of the Ambassadors of Harmony’s virtual Christmas Show this past December can attest to the enduring satisfaction that comes with hearing music performed with skill, precision, and heart.
Meanwhile, the Foundation has added a terrific, talented, and energetic new member, Roy Kramer. Roy, whose professional qualifications include most of the letters of the alphabet (CPA/PFS, CDFA, CDS, NSSA), is a partner with the highly respected St. Louis based accounting firm Brown Smith Wallace. Roy, whom I happily shared board duties with when we were both members of the board of Kids In The Middle, has a long commitment to the arts, having served on the boards of Cinema St. Louis and Art St. Louis, and has also lent his expertise to the community through St. Louis Volunteer Accountants & Lawyers Association. On top of that, Roy is an accomplished guitarist. We look forward to a long association with Roy.
I write this having just received my second dose of vaccine, which gives me hope we are finally on the downslope of this wretched scourge, and that we will soon be able to gather and bask in the flow of great music-making. We are so pleased so many people are taking advantage of this year’s virtual Gala. Your continued support will allow us to help the AOH and its educational outreach enrich the Greater St. Louis community with all of the smiles and positive feelings that go along with performing and listening to music.
Thanks. We couldn’t do it without you.
Alan Freed
President, Ambassadors of Harmony Foundation