Almost a year ago, one of our chorus members, Sarah Van Gunten, proposed the idea of the Asheville Senior Chorus (ASC) presenting a concert based on the Term Theme—Women, Gender, and Social Change—offered at OLLI in the spring of 2025. We began planning a month later. After many meetings, revisions, and adjustments, the program evolved into a multi-generational, multimedia presentation.

It is hard for me to decide which was more valuable and inspiring: the rehearsals and conversations surrounding the themes of the songs or the concert itself.

I am grateful to the Asheville Senior Chorus leadership, especially President Kim Leslie and Communications Director Kaye Hand, as well as the many members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this monumental effort possible. I also deeply appreciate the leadership and staff at OLLI for including us in this larger project, exploring the theme from multiple perspectives—and for always finding ways to say “yes.”

Special thanks to Dr. Toby King, chair of the Department of Music at UNC Asheville, and staff member Pam Miller for their enthusiastic support. I am especially grateful for the incredible contributions of Arlene Christensen, who created the slideshow, wrote the narration, and offered invaluable suggestions throughout the process.

I marveled at the university students and ASC soloists who stepped forward, sharing their gifts and stories through music. A huge thank you to Gabriel Vickers and, especially, David Bruce, who brought energy and depth to our musical presentations through percussion. And, of course, endless gratitude to the one who keeps us all looking good, in sync, and laughing—Eric Fricke.

Whether fighting for basic human rights, reminiscing about life a century ago, or affirming each other’s value and worth with a sense of hopeful determination and endless possibility, the stories we told—through both speech and song—were heartfelt and sincere.

How lucky I am to stand before such an incredible group of individuals, moved by their generous offerings of self for the collective good of the ensemble and the story we shared.

A SPECTACULAR concert, indeed! – CHUCK TAFT