Be part of the Pleasant Valley Chorale!
- Elizabethtown Social Center
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
It may be only August, but the holiday season is just a few months away, and the Pleasant Valley Chorale is getting ready to celebrate with music! This year’s program theme is winter songs along with a few favorite holiday tunes to warm hearts and lift spirits.
We are welcoming past & new members to join the Chorale. The Pleasant Valley Chorale is a fun group with over 30 members from all around the region. This fall there will be 12 rehearsals starting September 23rd. Rehearsals are every Tuesday from 6:30 - 8 PM. Our Winter Concert dates are Friday, December 12th & Sunday, December 14th. Dues for the fall session are $20.
Nora Nadire will be directing with Kerry Mero being the accompanist.
"I am thrilled to be continuing in my position as director of the Pleasant Valley Chorale this autumn! Last spring's session was a delightful opportunity for me to transition from singer to director. I loved collaborating with Kerry Mero, our accompanist, and it was very special to have both veteran and new singers in the group" said Nora, Director of the Pleasant Valley Chorale.
Founded and sponsored by the Elizabethtown Social Center since 1987, the Chorale enjoys a grand piano, rehearsal, and performance space. Traditionally, the group has performed two sessions per year, culminating in multiple concerts. Past favorites include selections from Broadway musicals and concerts celebrating composers such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers, and Stephen Sondheim.
Elizabethtown Social Center Director Laurie House says, "We appreciate that the Chorale is available to anyone who wants to sing. It’s part of our core mission to bring people together."
"For the past 31 years as a local music teacher, my mission has always been to inspire lifelong musicians. I love that the chorale gives people of all ages the chance to be part of a performing group and share their love of music with the community!" Kerry Mero says.
Nora reflected on last season, saying "The music I chose was all centered around nature, and I think the singers took to it beautifully. I felt their enthusiasm and I was very impressed with how hard they worked both during and outside of rehearsals! One of my favorite elements of singing is learning small changes that can support the voice to sing in a more healthy way, so I often include that guidance whenever there is a challenging part of a piece."
The Pleasant Valley Chorale is looking forward to a new season of music, and we’d love to have more voices join us! Our group is a mix of longtime members and brand-new singers, all brought together by the simple joy of singing. It’s a warm, welcoming community where everyone is encouraged, supported, and celebrated, no matter your experience level. Nora shared her excitement, saying "I am very much looking forward to this next session and I would love to have even more singers join the group, if folks are interested! I believe singing should be joyful and easeful, and I aim to continue leading the group with that in mind."
Meet our Director & Accompanist!
Nora Nadire led the Pleasant Valley Chorale for our 2025 spring concert and has been an inspiring presence ever since. Based in Essex, NY, she has performed with choirs across the U.S. and Europe, including Smith College and Trinity College Dublin. In addition to choral music, Nora brings her love of Kirtan, sharing singing and chanting in meditative settings.
Kerry Mero has been the Accompanist for the Pleasant Valley Chorale for over 13 years. Kerry has been a local music teacher for the past 31 years. She is a woman of many talents but her main instrument is the piano! In 2023 she was awarded the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Established Educator Award. Besides her involvement in choral music and teaching, she also enjoys spending time sewing!
We’re excited to have both Nora & Kerry guiding our chorale this season!
To sign up, contact the Social Center at (518) 873-6408 or email news@elizabethtownsocialcenter.org. You can also sign up at the link below.