GMChorale to Honor Marco Gaylord, Fine Arts Director

GMChorale will honor Marco Gaylord, Director of Fine Arts for the Middletown Public Schools,
during their “Putting On the Ritz Gala” on Sunday, June 22, at the Wadsworth Mansion. The Gala Honoree, instrumental in the design and completion of the MHS Performing Arts Center and its state-of-the-art theater, will be recognized for his far-reaching community efforts and many contributions to As Director of Fine Arts in the public schools, Gaylord, himself a product of the school’s music program, oversees all facets of music education, visual art and theater in the district. He also manages the Performing Arts Center and its non-school events, such as the GMChorale concerts Letter from Italy, 1944 in 2013 and Beatitude Mass (for the Homeless) in 2014. Gaylord is dedicated to the programs, the school and the community, and is a strong leader in the arts in our city.

Recently, an important collaboration was announced between the City, Wesleyan University, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, GMChorale, Middletown composer Lee McQuillan and MHS, culminating in “Middletown High School Goes to the Symphony,” to be presented at Bushnell Memorial Hall in Hartford on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. This performance will feature the NHSO conducted by Maestro William Boughton, Wesleyan University Professsor of Music Neely Bruce, Public Schools Fine Arts Director Gaylord and the GMChorale led by Artistic Director Joseph D’Eugenio, as well as 300 MHS instrumental and choral music students.

This performance, which will showcase a piece written by MHS alumnus and composer Lee McQuillan, offers students a unique opportunity to perform on stage with professional musicians. Gaylord notes, “It is with all of our resources that we can together create a cultural experience for students that will strengthen the role of the arts and its position in the developmental process of education.” As a music educator, he provides students with an introduction to the appreciation of music while instilling confidence and discipline, thus encouraging the next generation to continue to enjoy and support the musical arts.

Please join the GMChorale in honoring the remarkable contributions by Marco Gaylord at their Roaring Twenties-themed “Putting On the Ritz Gala” on Sunday, June 22, 4-8 p.m., at the Wadsworth Mansion. GMChorale depends on the Gala proceeds to continue commissioning new works and heightening awareness of social issues with the power of music through its Concerts of Conscience.

Next season GMChorale collaborates with the NHSO to bring a symphonic experience to listeners of all ages with two major performances at the Performing Arts Center: Handel’s Messiah in December and Mozart’s Requiem in April 2015. The Gala will also help to support funding of the remaining work on the documentary, Letter from Italy, 1944: An American Oratorio, narrated by Meryl Streep and featuring the GMChorale. Tickets are $100 per person and include open bar, dinner, dancing, silent auction and entertainment. Advance reservations are requested; call 860-316-4854 or visit www.GMChorale.org.