1. "Old Stoughton and The Grand Constitution" (1987)
Written and Directed by Roger Hall
Celebrating the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution
and the Stoughton Musical Society (SMS) Constitution,
both written in 1787. The SMS's Constitution
is the oldest of any music organization in the USA.
The half-hour program was videotaped at
the Stoughton Public Library on October 8, 1987.
It includes readings from the U.S. Constitutions
by
school students and town residents.
The highlight is a one-act play written and directed by
Roger Hall
titled,
"The Grand Constitution."
It features two actors portraying two original members of the Stoughton Musical Society:
Elijah Dunbar (Wayne Olem) and Samuel Capen (Bert Anderson). Also a chorus from
the
Old Stoughton Musical Society.
The songs performed include:
"The Grand Constitution"
"Beneath a weeping willow's shade" (Francis Hopkinson)
"The Federal March" (Alexander Reinagle)
"Chester" (William Billings)
"Yankee Doodle" (1788)
"Ode to George Washington"
Here is an excerpt of the opening Preamble to this Constitution with Rules and Regulations,
first voted on October 8, 1787 (just a few weeks after the U.S. Constitution was written):
And as the powers of harmonious music are most admirably calculated to humanize the ferocious passions, to increase the various emotions of the mind, the different degrees of sensibility and all the feelings of the heart...We, therefore, esteem it our duty to study to promote that harmony which is pleasing to our Maker and so delightful to ourselves. Stimulated with these salutary and laudable motives, we, whose names are underwritten, form ourselves in a society by the name of the Stoughton Musical Society, for the implied purpose of practicing vocal music.
2. A Stoughton Musicfest: A Celebration of Local Composers and Musicians (1990)
Produced by Roger Hall
This one hour documentary is about the history of singing in Stoughton
and
a celebration of local composers and musicians.
Ths disc includes performances of several patriotic songs by a combined Stoughton Elementary School Chorus singing: "Yankee Doodle" and "Ode to President George Washington."
The highlight is a short play written by Roger Hall titled, "William Billings Teaches A Singing School."
The participants in this documentary:
Narrator: Marion Wroble , Host of "Conversations" on WBET radio
Actor: Skip Mahoney (portraying William Billings)
Vocal Quartet: Elizabeth Trueblood, Carol Mezzanotte, Sally MacKerron, Roger Hall
Flute: Donna Hieken
Piano: Richard Hill
Elementary School Chorus, Carol Mezzanotte, Director
High School Instrumental Ensemble, Ronald Christianson, Director
This title is available in two forms:
-The PDF book with information singing meetings and concerts from 1786 to 1987 but without the additional folders
about the composers, audio album and two videos.
-DVD-ROM for computer or similar device and a great resource for researchers, classroom teaching,
and for anyone interested in American music history. This disc is not available from any other website.
Order your copy of this fact-filled collection for your personal collection or for a school library,or college collection,
by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below...
"DEDICATION" -
A Guide to
Singing Meetings
and Concerts
in Stoughton, 1762-1992
Compiled and edited by Roger L. Hall
To order just the PDF Dedication book, click the "Add to Cart" for $14.95
For the DVD-ROM multimedia disc with audio and video files
click the Quantity button two times for $27.90 total.
Your order is payable by credit card (USA orders only),
through safe and secure PayPal.
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After your have ordered your copy, for proper delivery,
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"Dedication" multimedia disc
See the music titles avaialable at
Stoughton Music Heritage Series
