It’s spring concert time for the Crescendos, the local women’s choral group. They will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church.
Tickets are $5 at the door or from any choral member.
The group has been directed by Marsha Smith for over 50 years, and is accompanied by Bill Stockwell.
The Crescendos are part of the Melody Makers of Indiana which began in 1934 by Dr. Al P. Stewart of Purdue University and in connection with the extension program. It was started with 44 farmer’s wives from Tippecanoe County for a radio broadcast. The original group sang extensively, even for President and Mrs. Roosevelt.
Many other counties wanted choruses, and at their peak, numbered 3,000. Each chorus had their own director and pianist. Their motto was, “No fun without music and no music without fun!” Today, members from many counties all over the state attended workshops in July to learn next year’s music. There are 20 counties involved at this time. They all sing together each year at the IEHA Home and Family Conference Festival Day, and at the Indiana State Fair.
The Crescendos sing for the annual Montgomery County Extension Homemakers Spring Tea, local churches, local organizations, like the Montgomery County Retired Teachers, festivals and nursing homes. They love to sing, and will do so if asked, and they always welcome new members.
