The 10th anniversary of the Reynolds Chorus is a monument worth sharing. Luckily for everyone in the community, the Reynolds Chorus will be showcasing a full night of music to celebrate the 10-year milestone. The event will be dedicated to the chorus’ first director and one of the founding members, Jean Merritt.

The chorus has performed in venues and events such as the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, the Winter Garden Theater, Plaza Arts Center, Easter Sunrise services, Festival Hall, Knights of Columbus and area nursing homes. The group has also played for holiday celebrations, numerous happy hours, and “musicales” to entertain their audience.

The current director of the group is Jude Martincic. The ensemble meets for practice every Monday afternoon from September through June. Artistic Musical Director and Conductor, Donna Brelsford, and the talented and gifted pianist, Amy Reber lead the 50-plus group of professionals in challenging harmonies that merge together to create beautiful music.

Their upcoming performance, a nostalgic night of singing that will include the beloved tunes from Rodgers & Hammerstein, Broadway classics, Disney favorites, and the Oscars to a full repertoire of country and patriotic songs sure to please every audience member. The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton will host the event, not one, but two nights so as to catch every patron. Feb. 4 through the 5, beginning at 7 p.m., members of the chorus will serenade every member of the audience in a night of nostalgia and favorites. 

Jeanne Dube Herrero has been a member of the chorus for two years. The experience has been very memorable for her, she said.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of great songs, and this is truly an incredible chorus. Our men really bring out the best in the chorus. The harmony they bring to this is just amazing,” Herrero said.

The anniversary show will have a little something for everyone.

“This will be entertainment for all the ages. Anybody who loves music will love this show,” Herrero said. “Our manager, Jude, works so hard and she’s so dedicated to this group. She’s absolutely fantastic. It takes a lot of people to put a show like this together.”

The Reynolds Chorus began with the desire and passion of many Reynolds Plantation residents who had an interest in singing to form a group. Jude Martincic, Jean Merritt and Linda Disosway decided to begin a chorus and spread the gift of music to everyone in the area. On Nov. 16, 2000, the chorus enjoyed its first rehearsal with 21 members present. The original name the chorus chose was “Plantation Singers.” Jean Merritt agreed to direct and Karen Obee agreed to be the accompanist. It has since become “The Reynolds Chorus” and has 53 members.

“We’re all lovers of music. We’ve come together and built this chorus and we all have such a great time singing. This is such a great chorus and we’re so looking forward to celebrating our 10 year anniversary.”