LINER NOTES
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Annie's Songs
INTRODUCTORY NOTES
A Note from Tim Seelig
The year was 1989. The Turtle Creek Chorale was performing for an AIDS healing service at the Episcopal Cathedral, downtown Dallas. It was the height of the AIDS crisis and any hope offered was welcome. At the end of the service, a petite, bright, perky woman approached me to say how much the service and the singing had meant to her. She said, in her thick Texas accent, "Hi, my name is Anne. I'm from Corsicanna, Texas and I play the piano. (It could have only been worse if she had said, "and I write songs," which of course she does.) She mentioned she was a friend of composer Jane Marshall and if we ever needed someone to play, I should give her a call. We went on our way and she headed back to Corsicana and her life as THE piano teacher in town, organist/choir master at the Presbyterian church and married to a banker.
Not long after that, a group began to meet with the intent of starting a women's chorus in Dallas. When the topic of an accompanist came up, that bright, perky pianist from Corsicana jumped to mind, but I didn't remember her name, just her charm and her accent. So, I called Jane Marshall and described this mystery woman. She knew right away who it was and Anne got the call.
The rest is history. Not only was she every bit as bright and perky as she was at first sight, but a gifted artist both at the keyboard and, we were soon to find out, at arranging and composing. We had no idea that she would soon become the heart and soul of The Women's Chorus of Dallas and "Mom" to the Turtle Creek Chorale. And we had no idea that the 'perky' was really mischief in disguise.
Anne began arranging music for the women as a way to help fit music perfectly to their sound. The first was "White Christmas. " Not long after that, she tried her hand at male choral music. Her first arrangement for the TCC once again addressed the times in which we found ourselves, a medley including "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again." The arrangements fit both choruses like a glove. Her spirit is in everything we sing. Her exquisite musicianship and magnanimous heart inspire us to continue to try to change the world with our music. She and her partner remain role models for each of us in every area of their lives. They are educators, they are friends, they are caregivers and they are both actually great Moms in the biological sense and the figurative sense.
We present this partial collection of all the gifts Annie has given our choruses. May your heart be touched by Anne's as you share in her music and may your life be enriched, as ours, just by having known her.
A portion of every CD sold will go to help Anne with her medical costs as she fights and defeats the angry disease that has visited her.
With love,
Your guys and gals of TCC and TWCD.
About Anne Albritton
Anne Albritton received a Bachelor of Music degree from Southern Methodist University and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance and Theory/Composition from Northwestern University and Southern Methodist University. A significant portion of her professional career has been spent in the fields of teaching and church music.
A great lover of musical theater, she was music director for numerous productions at the Warehouse Living Arts Center in Corsicana, Texas. She was the founding music director for Bravo Productions, a national touring company.
Anne served as Principal Accompanist of the Turtle Creek Chorale for six years and The Women's Chorus of Dallas for twelve years. She continues to arrange and compose for both choruses and her work is commissioned by choral groups throughout the country. She is currently Director of Music at Lakewood United Methodist Church.
(Many of the previously released tracks on this recording feature Anne as accompanist.)
REPERTOIRE
Annie's Songs
The Unforgettable Music of Anne Albritton
Performed by:
The Turtle Creek Chorale
and The Women's Chorus of Dallas
Special appearance by the
Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus
In loving memory of Ann Davidson
All selections, unless noted, are taken from TCC and TWCD recordings as listed under each title.
DISC ONE
1 Family
from FAMILY
Words and Music by Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger
Arr. by Anne Albritton and Dennis Coleman
©1981 Dreamgirls Music/Warner Bros.
For my family - TCC, TWCD, Bubba and especially Trigger - with all my love, Annie Sue
2 Secret Love
from FAMILY
Words by Paul F. Webster, Music by Sammy Fain
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1953 Remick Music Corp.
To Annie and The Turtle Creek Chorale who have given me the most fun, funniest, special and unforgettably moving moments of my life, especially Jason McDaniel. "Once, I had a secret love, and now my secret's no secret any more!" With love, John Shore
3 My Romance / What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
from CHANGE OF HEART
Words by Lorentz Hart, Music by Richard Rodgers
©1935 Williamson Music
Words and Music by Michel Legrand
©1969 United Artists Corp.
Arr. by Anne Albritton
For Annie with love and the sheer joy of it. Gladys Brantley
4 Trust the Wind
from LIFELONG FRIEND
Words and Music by David Friedman
Arr. by Anne Albritton
© Midder Music
Victor Ray III, soloist
With love, Buddy Mercer and Rusty Hampton
5 Wind Beneath My Wings
from FAMILY
Words and Music by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1981 Warner House Music/WB Gold Music Corp.
With love, Carla S. McGee
6 You'll Never Walk Alone
from GOODNIGHT, MY ANGEL
Words by Oscar Hammerstein,
Music by Richard Rodgers
Arr. by Anne Albritton
© 1945 Williamson Music
For all the lives you have touched with your talent and generosity, hold your head up high. You'll never walk alone.With love, Connie Jenkins and Magda Girgis
7 Everything Possible
from FAMILY
Words and Music by Fred Smalls
Arr. by Anne Albritton
© 1983 Pine Barrens Music
John Carroll, soloist
For Eric, Amy, Doug, John, Dean, Eloise, Mom, Dad and Jack who have consistently made Everything Possible in my life. In memory of my brother and lifelong friend, Joe. "And the only measure of your words and your deeds will be the love you leave behind when you're gone." Gary Rifkin
8 Dream On, Little Angel
from GOODNIGHT MY ANGEL
Words and Music by Loeta Cardwell
Arr. by Anne Albritton
Manuscript
Dad, for you... For the gift of your simple message - how smiles can speak volumes, touching others in quiet ways and always give your best. We miss you but know there's a new angel out there looking out for us... Dream on Angel. Love, The Nagel family - especially your Grandaughter Gabby!
9 Let Me Be the Music
from LIFELONG FRIEND
Words and Music by David Friedman
Arr. by Anne Albritton
© Midder Music
With love, John Lambert
10 Prideful Mary
from ONE WORLD
Arr. by Anne Albritton
Manuscript
With love, Jim Kondysar and Joey Miertschin
11 God Loves a Woman
from OUR TURN
Words and Music by Suzanne Buhrer
Arr. by Anne Albritton
Manuscript
Melanie Blumer, Eve Campbell, Laura Caraway,
Jeri Smith and Candy Whitenton, soloists
With love, Melanie Blumer
12 When October Goes *2
Words by Johnny Mercer, Music by Barry Manilow
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1984 WB Music Corp
Kathryn D. Brown, conductor
With love, healthcare workers within TWCD and TCC
13 The Last Day *2
Words by B. Russell, Music by J. Ewbank
Arr. by Anne Albritton
© Songs of Universal/Brenda Russell Music
Kathryn D. Brown, conductor
Tim Seelig, soloist
On the last day, our hearts will be indelibly engraved with the colors of friendship and music, but most of all, the rainbows of love we have shared through the years. Sara & Carolyn
14 For All We Know / I'll Be Seeing You *1
Words and Music by J. Fred Coots
and Samuel M. Lewis
©1943 The Richmond Organization/The Songwriters Guild
Words and Music by Sammy Fain
and Irving Kahal
©1938 Fain Music Company/Fred Ahlert Music Corp.
Arr. by Anne Albritton
With love, J. Weston Woods
15 Empty Chairs Medley *1
(Anne's first arrangement for TCC)
"Empty Chairs at Empty Tables"
Words by Herbert Kretzmer
Music by Alain Boublil
and Claude-Michel Schonberg
©1987 Stephen Tenenbaum & Co., Inc.
"No One Is Alone"
Words and Music by Stephen Sondheim
©1987 WB Music Corp.
"Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"
Words and Music by Charles Eliott Hart,
Andrew Lloyd-Webber
and Richard Henry Zachary Stilgoe
©1987 Universal Music Publishing Group
Arr. by Anne Albritton
David Fessenden, Joel Ihms, AG Black,
Jim Kondysar and Reed Hoke, soloists
For Annie, whose smile lights the world, whose hugs warm the heart and whose music empowers the soul. Much love, David Fessenden
16 I Shall Miss Loving You *2
Words by Peter McWilliams, Music by Kris Anthony
Arr. by Anne Albritton
© 1991 Kris Anthony
In memory of those who once walked with us, who touched our lives, and who made us better persons. John Beall
17 I Have Loved*1
Words by Peter McWilliams, Music by Kris Anthony
Arr. by Anne Albritton
© 1991 Kris Anthony
Kathryn Terrell, soloist
Jan, thank you for Paris and our memories, 143 Theresa
Annie, through your music we learn so much about life and love. Thank you for being our teacher! Love, educators within the Turtle Creek Chorale
Annie, your music has given so many the hope to live joyfully and completely. Singing and living with great passion is a beautiful gift so many have shared with you and because of you. Thank you for giving this gift to Ken and our family. Jim, Pat, Cathy & Mimi McLemore
DISC TWO
1 Psalm 92
from PSALMS
Music by Anne Albritton
Manuscript
With love, Michael Bradley
2 Ave Maria
from MUSIC IN OUR HOUSE
Music by J.S. Bach/Charles Gounod
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1954 Hal Leonard
Betsy Selser, harp
Flutes Unlimited
With love, Helen Spence
3 Santa Claus is Coming To Town
from COMFORT AND JOY
Words and Music by J. Fred Coots
and Haven Gillespie
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1964 EMI Feist Catalog Inc./Haven Gillespie Music Pub.
Janey Hall, vocals
With love, Stephen Price and Peter Mena
4 White Christmas
from DECEMBER
(Anne's first arrangement for TWCD)
Words and Music by Irving Berlin
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1940 Williamson Music Co.
Wendy Crew, soloist
With love, Doug Mitchell
5 O Holy Night *
from 2003 Holiday Concert DVD
Words and Music by Adolphe Adam
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1951 G. Schirmer, Inc.
Recorded live by TCC Chamber Chorus, in the Meyerson Symphony Center
Tiffany Roberts, soloist
With love, Antoine Spencer
6 A Cup of Christmas Tea *
from 2003 Holiday Concert DVD
Poem by Tom Hegg
Arr. by Anne Albritton
Manuscript
Recorded live in the Meyerson Symphony Center
Donald Fowler, narrator
To honor and thank Anne Albritton, a beautiful and peerless lady.(we promise to shine our shoes, too). Pat McCann & Thom Hawkins
7 Silent Night *2
Words and Music by Franz Gruber
Arr. by Anne Albritton
Manuscript
With love, Dr. W. Lee Mascarenhas
8 Auld Lang Syne
from COMFORT AND JOY
Traditional
Arr. by Anne Albritton
Manuscript
In memory of my mother, Ellen Galvin Rawson, who taught me to love to sing. Jamie Rawson
9 How To Handle a Woman / Some Enchanted Evening
from CHANGE OF HEART
Words by Fredrick Lowe,
Music by Allan J. Lerner
©1960 Chappell Music Co.
Words by Oscar Hammerstein,
Music by Richard Rodgers
©1949 Williamson Music
Arr. by Anne Albritton
With love, Barbara Bach
10 Ain't No Mountain
from MUSIC IN OUR HOUSE
Words and Music by Nicholas Ash
and Valerie Simpson
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1967 EMI Music Publishing
In appreciation of Annie Albritton, and all those founding mothers of TWCD for your insight and efforts toward establishing a life altering chorus from the lesbian and gay community, reaching out to other communities, celebrating the diversity of all women. Jude Hammett and Sue Sherrod
11 Donna's Song
from RAINBOW CONNECTION
-Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus
Words and Music by Anne Albritton
Manuscript
Kelsey Bruso, soloist
Anne, You opened your pure heart to my sister Donna and allowed her spirit to live on in song. You're my angel. Love, Glenn
12 Not While I'm Around
from EVERYTHING'S POSSIBLE
Words and Music by Stephen Sondheim
© 1979 Revelation Music Publishing Corp.
Tim Seelig, soloist
With love, Robert Steele
13 I'll Be Here With You
from LIFELONG FRIEND
Words and Music by David Friedman
Arr. by Anne Albritton
© Midder Music
Annie from Corsicannie - Vibrating piano benches…"Oh, ya'll"…cold warehouses…sitting on phone books…"Sorry, first altos" …Carnegie Hall…ever-changing arrangements …schlepping the keyboard, "…elephants, BOATS!"…laughter that fills Sammons… "Ya'll, this is Trigger"…hearts bigger than the Meyerson…thank you, thank you, thank you. With forever love from your family, The Women's Chorus of Dallas
14 All Is Well
from SIMPLY CHRISTMAS
Words by Wayne Kirkpatrick,
Music by Michael W. Smith
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1989 Emily Boothe, Inc./O'Ryan Music Inc.
Daryl Curry, soloist
Ann, you have shared the gifts of your talent and your love. You have shown us that even through turmoil, all is well. In thanks, and with much love, J. Christopher Stinnett
15 God Bless America *1
Words and Music by Irving Berlin
Arr. by Anne Albritton
©1938 Williamson Music Co.
Jacob Villarreal, soloist
In dedication to Anne and in honor of my parents' upcoming 40th wedding anniversary- Spencer and Jeannette - who knew Anne in their days in Corsicana. Brad Olesen
Bonus CD Rom Video: "A Cup of Christmas Tea"
Poem by Tom Hegg
Arr. by Anne Albritton
Manuscript
Donald Fowler, narrator
In memory of Ruth Estelle Normand: Grandma, thanks for the inspiration, the love, and the memories. "Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. " Justin Normand and Gary Cathey
* Newly Released
1 Antoine Spencer, accompanist
2 Robert Lamar Sims, accompanist
PRODUCTION NOTES
New Recordings:
New tracks recorded August 1, 2004
at St. Andrew United Methodist Church
Plano, Texas
and August 3, 2004
at Crystal Clear Sound
Dallas, Texas
Timothy Seelig, conductor
Antoine Spencer, accompanist
Robert Lamar Sims, accompanist
Reed R. Hoke, producer
Pax Recording Studios
Fort Worth, Texas
Michael Hull, recording engineer
St. Andrew Session
Crystal Clear Sound
Dallas, Texas
Nolan Brett, recording engineer
Crystal Clear Session
Nolan Brett, mixing and mastering
Print Production:
Joseph Rattan Design, Dallas, Texas
Design, Packaging and Layout
Shawn Northcutt Photography, Dallas, Texas
Cover and inside photos
Additional Dedications:
Cover photography
We make this dedication in recognition of
Anne Albritton’s creative talent, musical
sensitivity and countless contributions to The
Women’s Chorus of Dallas, Turtle Creek
Chorale and GALA Choruses. With our love
and profound appreciation of her gifts.
Kristin Kucera and Nancy Haver,
Seattle Women’s Chorus.
Graphic design
With love and in memory of my mother,
Nancy Rattan.
Joe Rattan
Crystal Clear Sound recording session
With love,
Robert Steele
Turtle Creek Chorale
Toll Free: 800-746-4412
www.turtlecreek.org
The Women’s Chorus of Dallas
Toll Free: 888.275.1021
www.twcd.org
Turtle Creek Chorale Staff
Dr. Timothy Seelig, artistic director
David Mitchell, managing director
Will Kolb, director of development
Reed R. Hoke, assistant to the artistic director
Ella Kendrick, controller
Gretchen Scribner, marketing / development associate
Kenn McBryde, information and
systems administrator
Mark T. Parker, office coordinator
Antoine Spencer, principal accompanist
Robert Lamar Sims, assistant accompanist
Don Jones, sign interpreter
Alan Lewis, technical director
One Achord Staff
Dr. Timothy Seelig, director
Lupe Rivera, assistant director
Robert Lamar Sims, accompanist
Eve Campbell, manager
The Women’s Chorus of Dallas Staff
Kathryn D. Brown, interim artistic director
Robert Lamar Sims, principal accompanist
George Eison, office manager
Ralph Blackburn, development manager
John Shore, public relations
Francie Miran, grant writer
