The Society was founded in 1952 by the late Mrs. Florence Wenzel Scudder with the purpose of performing the ‘Messiah’ annually. The group was first known as “The Messiah Choral Society of Sussex County”. Mrs. Wenzel, who later remarried to become Mrs. Scudder, was the organizer, soprano soloist, and first director of the society.
From a starting point of the ‘Messiah’, the society began singing other music and over the years has performed baroque, romantic and modern music. The group originally rehearsed in Sparta, first at the Presbyterian Church, later the Municipal Building. In 1960 the group moved to Newton.
Artistic Directors over the years have included Florence Wenzel Scudder, David Anderson, Willard Newton, Richard Pugsley, R. Lee Smith, John Arnedt, Albert Dorhout, Anita Meyer, John Lawson, Al Kopacka, Joseph Piccirillo and our current director Jeanette Hile.
See "Upcoming Concert" page for specifics.
Some quotes from members:
“It’s harder than church music and it’s beautiful music”
“I joined the Society because it’s the only opportunity I get to sing classical music around here”
“It’s rewarding if you do something well”
“I sing with the group because in totally concentrating on music I am able to retreat from the pressures of the business world. It is total immersion”
Today, SCOS is much more than a collection of singers offering classical style music. We explore all manner of quality choral singing, employing a range of instrumental accompaniments, while endeavoring to educate and enlighten our audiences and ourselves throughout the northwest corner of New Jersey.
The Society meets Monday evenings, September through May at Christ Church, 62 Main St Newton, NJ from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Auditions for new members are held at the start of each Semester in September and January.
Dues are $50 per semester which includes the ownership of all music.
New members are also required to purchase concert attire of a dress or jacket at a cost of $70.
Concerts are performed in December and May.
We hold our annual fundraiser event in the Spring where each member is required to contribute at least $100 by direct payment or by placing ads in our program from local merchants.
The works chosen are both varied and challenging. Rehearsals, are very enjoyable in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Periodic social gatherings allow members to get to know each other and many friendships have been forged over the years.
As a form of community outreach, we volunteer to sing at area nursing homes and hospitals, and have performed at other events throughout the area.
The Society, which is a non-profit organization, is run very efficiently by a Board of Directors which meets regularly to review and set policy and goals. We welcome new members and look forward to exploring new musical challenges.
Funding has been made available, in part, by the New Jersey Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the State/County Partnership Block Grant Program, as administered by the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council.
