Roger Sherman to Step Down from Orcas Choral Society

–from the Orcas Choral Society —

Roger Sherman, Artistic Director, Orcas Choral Society, 2010-2016

Roger Sherman, Artistic Director of Orcas Choral Society, is stepping down this June after six years of leading the choir.  “My time with you has been some of the most rewarding in my life, and I am very grateful for all the support you have given me personally,” Sherman told the choral society board.

Sherman emphasized his Orcas-based business, the Gothic Catalog, is requiring more time. He also has continuing responsibilities as associate organist for St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle, and as the host of the weekly KING-FM radio program, The Organ Loft.

“We will greatly miss Roger and his leadership,” said Cynthia Abolin, Choral Society president. “Roger has challenged us with demanding repertoire, and has drawn excellent performances from us.  He’s made rehearsals fun, correcting our errors with patience and humor.”

Marianne Lewis, interim Artistic Director of Orcas Choral Society, beginning June 2016

Marianne Lewis will become the choral society’s interim Artistic Director. She is currently Assistant Director and rehearsal accompanist for the Choral Society as well as organist and choir director at Emmanuel Episcopal Parish in Eastsound.  “Marianne is an experienced choral conductor and an excellent pianist and organist,” Abolin said. “We’re grateful to have her artistic leadership to guide us through this transition.”

Orcas Choral Society is a 60-voice volunteer chorus dedicated to the love of choral music.  Founded by Catherine Pederson and Louellen McCoy in 1978, the society sings a wide variety of choral music for island audiences.  Recent concerts have included the Bach B-Minor Mass and Mozart Requiem.  This April, the choral society will present the beloved Schubert Mass in G and the rediscovered Missa Solemnis in C written in 1826 by Alois Storch.

“We’re sorry he has to leave us, but Roger’s certainly going out with a bang!” Abolin said.