For forty-four years, the Suncook Valley Chorale has followed its motto, “Sing
for Joy.” For the past twenty-five of those years, Scott Lounsbury has been the beloved
leader of the group.

On September 10, 2001, Scott stepped up to his first Suncook Valley Chorale rehearsal
and began his journey as director. Since then, he has led the Chorale through hundreds of
rehearsals and has provided the members with rehearsal tools to use in preparing for the four community performances each year, as well as other musical events in the greater Concord area.

Under Scott’s direction, the Chorale performed the national anthem at Monarch’s and
Fisher Cats games in Manchester. The Chorale also collaborated with the NH Master Chorale and the New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus, presenting a concert at the Concord City Auditorium.

The Chorale was invited to collaborate with the Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra in
performing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and Scott challenged the group to develop new skills and learn German. On a lighter note, Scott organized a Flash Mob at Uno’s Restaurant where we performed a number from our upcoming concert program.

During the COVID years, Scott organized community sing-alongs in White Park and in front of the Capitol Building, leading with his ukulele. The Chorale survived those years largely due to Scott’s diligence in conducting rehearsals via Zoom and consistent communication. He kept the community together. Songs were learned, and Scott made a recording from individually submitted files to recreate the group. To encourage community building, Scott joined the two loves of his life — high school groups and the Chorale — in a concert at St. Anselm’s College.

There was great camaraderie among the diverse groups when they performed a special piece together. Scott is a gifted musician in his own right. He can often be found conducting and performing at Cate Park Bandstand or playing trumpet for the Village Players, both in Wolfeboro. He is a talented published composer, and the Chorale has performed many of his pieces in their concerts. Scott composed a special song for the Chorale, “Sing for Joy,” which created vivid images of the Suncook Valley, where the Suncook Valley Chorale originated.

Connections in the musical community in NH, as well as his ability to plan and
coordinate joint performances, have helped in the expansion of Suncook Valley Chorale’s
presence and repertoire. Blessed is the word the Chorale uses to describe Scott’s gifts of time and talent given over the past twenty-five years. With him at the helm, the Suncook Valley Chorale will continue to “Sing for Joy.”

The Suncook Valley Chorale community invites you to attend one of our concerts on Friday, May 15 or Saturday, May 16 at Wesley United Methodist Church at 79 Clinton Street
in Concord at 7 p.m. Help us celebrate Scott Lounsbury’s twenty-fifth anniversary as
Director of the Suncook Valley Chorale in appreciation of his time, talent and love.