There’s a Place for Everyone With Putnam Chorale

The 80-person Putnam Chorale performs both classical and contemporary music under the direction of Dr. Jason C. Tramm. Provided photos.

By TJ Fink

New and returning members are encouraged to join – or rejoin – the Putnam Chorale as the fall semester of its 42nd year approaches and registration is now open.

The 80-person choir, which offers a versatile learning and performance opportunity to both novice and experienced singers alike, will offer its fall program “Starry Night” under the guidance of music director Jason Tramm.

“The synchronicity of voices and breathing within a group actively combats loneliness and fosters strong community bonds, even improving memory and verbal fluency,” said Tramm, who is an award-winning conductor and director of choral activities at Seton Hall University. “Our group not only sings with unity and harmony, but is a community of friends that socializes together.”

For members, that sense of community has become one of the group’s defining qualities. From Halloween and end-of-season celebrations, to summer picnics and first rehearsal buzz, even to the opportunity to perform abroad, the Chorale gives members an incredible setting for sharing laughs, friendship, and memories that last a lifetime.

“It’s hard to beat,” said Nick Simonelli, a member since 2003.

Last year, for example, the Chorale brought its Vivaldi program to Italy, performing in Rome, Assisi, and Venice. And in May 2027, it is looking forward to performing in Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague.

The Chorale, which began with two seasonal concerts and limited interseason activities, has since expanded to include a holiday ensemble offering sold-out programs at Westchester’s Lyndhurst Mansion in December. This success paved the way for an eventual summer program and other interseasonal prospects.

Growth like this is no stranger to the Chorale, which has become larger, more professional, and more varied in its selection over the years.

“One thing that has not changed is the friendliness and support the members extend to one another,” said Louise Hazebrouck, a member who joined more than 20 years ago. “The group feels like a family.”

The ever expanding Chorale is also reaching out to nursing homes like Putnam Ridge in Brewster to bring the beauty of music to those who are unable to get to regular concerts, explained Pat Miller, another longtime member of the Chorale who also serves on its board.

Miller recalls a standing ovation at a holiday concert for Putnam Ridge in December 2025, which was funded by the Lake Mahopac Rotary Club. She deemed this to be one of her favorite concerts, along with another standing ovation performance to a full house at St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac that same month.

“The few things that have remained the same with the Chorale is getting sufficient funding to pay our professional director, professional accompanist, and practice spaces,” said Miller. “Churches have been welcoming, like St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac and St. James the Apostle Church in Carmel.”

The Chorale has maintained its same welcoming and accessible disposition through the years.

Simonelli who, along with his 20 years of membership has also served as a past president of the group, noted a strong sense of community that has been “deliberate and nurtured” throughout his years in the Chorale.

“When hesitant or doubting singers persisted with the encouragement of other Chorale members – finding their voices and confidence – they, too, would pass their success forward to other new singers,” he said.

“As soon as we started singing, I thought, ‘This was the right decision,’” added Elizabeth Brzozowski, who is entering her second year in the Chorale. “I have always loved both the community and challenge of singing in a choir.”

Brzozowski, a high school teacher who has been involved with music throughout her life, went searching for a community choir to join and very quickly found the Putnam Chorale website online. “There's something truly wonderful about focusing on the music for a few hours and setting everything else aside,” she said.

As for who the Chorale attracts, it is people from all walks of life.

“I was working too hard at my job and not doing enough to fulfill my other interests,” said Hazebrouck who, prior to joining stumbled upon the Chorale in rehearsal. “I was amazed that such quality singing could be found in Putnam County.”

While Hazebrouck sang in college, as she transitioned into adult life with kids and a career, she found she had no time to sing. Joining the Chorale was a way “to give myself this gift,” she said.

But not all singers in the Chorale are experienced like Hazebrouck.

“The Chorale is also open to those who can’t read music but are willing to put in the time and learn,” said Miller.

With resources on its website, help from veteran members, and even the patience of professionals, the Chorale is a hospitable and open learning environment for newer singers that are ready to challenge themselves with baby steps.

“Jason's knowledge of, and passion for music is infectious,” said Brzozowski. “His enthusiasm was evident from the very first rehearsal, and made me want to come back.”

“There is no college in Putnam County to offer music classes,” said Miller. “It’s great to see the arts expanding into Putnam. We’ve grown to 80 singers and are attracting members not only from Putnam County, but also Dutchess and Westchester counties, as well as Connecticut.”

The Chorale will perform its “Starry Night” program in December at St. James the Apostle Church in Carmel and other venues in the area.

While much of the Chorale’s history since 1984 has hailed a more classical sound, a vibrant blend of classical and contemporary composers is outlined in its fall program. “Starry Night” features songs like Samuel Barber’s “Sure on this Shining Night,” and “Bogoroditse Devo” by Arvo Part.

Singers can participate in rehearsals for free through the month of September. If singers wish to continue, the semester tuition is $160 and includes all the required music. Rehearsals are held Mondays in Casey Hall at Carmel High School, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Auditions are not required, except to place a singer in the appropriate section (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass).

To join, fill out the enrollment form at https://forms.gle/k1BdcCUcKBYe3pCn9 or attend the first rehearsal Monday, Sept. 14 (arrive at 6:30 p.m.) For more information, email contactus@putnamchorale.org or call 845-520-7574.

“The Putnam Chorale is a community chorus in every sense of the word,” said Simonelli. “If you have fond memories of singing in school, college, a house of worship, or your car – even decades ago – there’s a place for you here.”