How Did We Begin?
HOW CAN WE KEEP ON SINGING!
The Reuter Center Singers celebrated their 20th anniversary with a special concert on March 16 and 18, 2018. Since 1998, under the leadership of Mr. Chuck Taft, the Singers have been dedicated to making beautiful music and sharing the joy it brings to the human heart.
More than just a choir, this special group comes together each week not only to rehearse but also to connect, socialize, and simply enjoy making music together.
Join us now as we reflect on our journey from the beginning and look forward to the future!
Nothing comes from nothing,” as Rodgers and Hammerstein remind us in Something Good from The Sound of Music.
In 1980, the UNCA Community Chorus was founded, bringing together UNCA students, university employees, and community members from Asheville and the surrounding towns. Rehearsing in the basement of Lipinsky Hall, they met during the day to learn and perform a wide range of music, from classical masterpieces to popular tunes.
Beyond their love of singing, the members worked hard to support the chorus, organizing fundraisers like spaghetti dinners and yard sales. They truly “sang for their supper,” performing all over town—from the Biltmore House to the mall, the country club, and even the annual Bele Chere festival.
In 1998, the Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Asheville reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the UNCA Community Chorus, praising it as a “high-quality vocal ensemble and a unique university-community cooperative venture that enriches the cultural life of the broader community.”
That same year, Mr. Chuck Taft was appointed as the new director of the Chorus. The chair of the university’s Music Department expressed confidence in his leadership, stating, “Chuck will bring to his new position an excellent blend of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm.”
Later that year, Chuck Taft approached Sissie Stevens with the idea of forming a choir as part of the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement (NCCCR). With her enthusiastic support, the College for Seniors Choir was born. The group rehearsed in the UNCA Music Department and performed its first few concerts alongside the UNCA Community Chorus.
As the choir grew, so did its skills as a performing ensemble. In 2004, the Community Chorus of Asheville (formerly the UNCA Community Chorus) merged with the group, welcoming new voices and expanding its reach. Now sponsored by both the university and the Center for Creative Retirement—later renamed the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)—the ensemble was officially renamed the Reuter Center Community Chorus.
By this time, the Reuter Center had been completed on campus, becoming the new home for the choir’s rehearsals and major performances.
Through all the changes, Chuck Taft has remained the driving force behind the Reuter Center Singers. A gifted musician with deep knowledge of musical genres, history, and techniques, Chuck brings boundless energy, humor, and passion to every rehearsal and performance.
More than just a conductor, he knows how to inspire his singers to deliver their best, creating performances that are both dynamic and heartfelt. His enthusiasm for music is contagious, and he encourages the choir to connect with their audience—prioritizing emotional engagement and shared experience over strict adherence to the musical score.
Another steadying force behind the Singers is Nora Vetro, who joined shortly after Chuck became director. But she does far more than accompany the choir on piano—she is an integral part of every rehearsal, reinforcing melodies, correcting mistakes with subtle emphasis, and tirelessly helping singers through breaks by answering questions and playing individual parts.
In performance, Nora is nothing short of extraordinary. With precision, energy, and deep emotion, she brings every piece to life, seamlessly following Chuck’s direction and pace. Her unwavering support and musicianship form the foundation on which the Singers rely at every turn.
Over the years, performances have showcased a rich variety of music, from classical masterpieces to Broadway favorites and beloved choral arrangements.
Who could forget Dr. Melodie Galloway as a delightful Buttercup in H.M.S. Pinafore? Or the sheer fun of a male trio belting out We’ve Got the Horse Right Here from Guys and Dolls? One of the most unforgettable moments came when Jim Hall, undeterred by Parkinson’s disease, delivered a moving acapella rendition of Everything’s Up to Date in Kansas City, holding the audience spellbound.
The Singers have performed in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, welcomed new UNCA chancellors at their installations in Kimmel Arena, and collaborated with the University Singers and the Asheville Singers for special concerts—continuing their tradition of sharing music that inspires and unites.
The Reuter Center Singers have deep and lasting ties to the community, performing annually at events such as the Asheville City Memorial Day ceremony and Weaverville’s commemorations of Veterans Day and the 9/11 tragedy. Their music also fills the halls of the Biltmore House and resonates in venues like Deerfield, Givens Estates, Highland Farms, and Ardenwoods.
Beyond their performances, the Singers are a true community—supporting one another through life’s joys and challenges. They share potluck dinners, celebrate milestones, and offer comfort through thoughtful cards and mementos for members in need.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) plays a vital role in the success of the Reuter Center Singers, providing essential support in countless ways. From offering rehearsal and performance space to publicizing events and dedicating valuable storage areas, OLLI ensures the Singers have what they need to thrive. Unlike the early days of the UNCA Community Chorus—when members had to transport heavy risers themselves—OLLI now provides a dedicated crew to set up and take down risers and chairs for every performance. Executive Director Catherine Frank also demonstrates her personal commitment by attending concerts, generously giving her time to support the group.
The Reuter Center Singers carry a proud and distinguished history, with several current members tracing their roots back to the early UNCA Community Chorus. Among them is Chuck Taft himself, who sang with the original group as a college student—an enduring testament to his lifelong dedication to the Singers.
What’s next for the Reuter Center Singers? A continued dedication to diverse musical performances, a deep connection to the community, and the unwavering support of one another.
Above all, the Singers look forward to many more years of sharing joy, laughter, and music with audiences—friends, family, and newcomers alike—who soon become part of the extended Reuter Center Singers family.
And We Keep Singing .. , Celebrating Life with Joy & Laughter!
The Asheville Senior Chorus is an active Special Interest Group that meets every week as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC-Asheville. Led by Chuck Taft, they produce harmonious tunes while also building strong bonds and valuing shared moments. Their concerts feature a diverse range of musical styles and periods.
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