“There are so very many reasons why singing with Sounds of Stow since 2002 has enriched my life. I’ve made good, caring friends who have helped me through tough times. I’ve laughed a lot! I’ve learned about performing. But what’s meant the most to me is the music. Barbara chooses the most amazing, intriguing compositions for us to learn. It takes on a sacred hue for me; as I open my score and slowly begin to learn the music, I feel like I am in a room with whatever great composer we are studying: Mozart, Beethoven,  Beach, Handel, Lauridsen…and I am having a conversation with him or her; he/she is teaching me. It’s an intimate experience for me with some of the greatest minds we know of. Moreover, as an agnostic withe a formal religious upbringing, I am warmed by the prayerful words familiar from my childhood, prayed variously in voice glorious, ominous, meditative, sorrowful, resigned, hopeful, imploring. Thank you to all who make this possible.”

“I’ve had the privilege of being concertmaster of the orchestra of Sounds of Stow for some 20 years, about half the lifetime of the group. It has been a wonderful musical adventure. Playing in ana orchestra or chamber group is one thing, but playing the majestic oratorios and masses and choral works Barbara has chosen over the years is another musical and, indeed, spiritual experience altogether. It has been such a privilege and joy to have performed works like Berlioz’ Messe Solennelle, several Handel Oratorios, Bruckner, Mendelssohn, and Brahms, to the Mozart Requiem today. It has also been a joy to play many of the fabulous violin solos in choral works, including those in Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, and Bruckener’s Te Deum, as well as to have also been able to offer performances of several of the great works of the Violin Concerto literature, including Concerti by Dohnanyi, Dvorak, Bach, Haydn, and Britten, as well as the multi-solo Haydn Sinfonia Concertante and the Beethoven Triple Concerto. Here’s to Sounds of Stow’s 40th Anniversary, and with best wishes for many more years of making incredible music!”

“Each time I sing with Sounds of Stow, I enter the first few rehearsals with skepticism in my  ability to learn a new piece. After each Monday evening rehearsal, my skepticism slowly starts to fade away….Barbara’s enthusiasm, drive, and confidence leads us on an amazing journey that we could not accomplish alone. As we sing each movement, it stands alone, yet is part of the whole, and we maneuver our way, first learning the rhythm, then the dynamics, and how bets to articulate each passage. We are challenged as if climbing thousands of fee to summit a mountain; after weeks have passed, we start to see the peak and wonder if we will ever get there, yet our Director, Barbara Jones, knows we will. Her vision and direction leads us to the top. I keep returning to SOS because I love the challenge, the camaraderie, and the final summit, ” The Performance”, which we have worked together to achieve, and in turn share with our greater community in concert.”

“Since singing in harmony with my parents and relatives as I was growing up, joining a youth choir when I was in middle school, it was only natural I would join church choirs and a Community Chorus as I became older. The Stow Chorus became a wonderful fit for me and my husband to engage in harmonic singing after we moved to Stow. The Chorus has been like second family to me and has captured my love of group singing completely. Our winter vacations have been shortened to accommodate our love of singing with Barbara Jones and the Stow Chorus. It is a very large part of our lives. Thank you, Barbara.

“Joining the Sounds of Stow was one of the best decisions I have made. I only wish I had joined sooner! Barbara is such a talented musician and director and has the amazing ability to bring the best out of all performers. The chorus is a group of wonderful and kind singers – what a treasure to have in Stow!”

“To be able to learn gorgeous music and perform it in a group that welcomes me – a total AMATEUR – means more than could know.”

“Dear Barbara, What a great ride we’ve had over the past 40 plus years. Who would have thought, when we began, basically as the church choir with the addition of a few more, what the group would grow into? You’ve introduced us all to such a rich variety of music. We have all grown and learned so much under your tutelage. I salute you for having the courage to take the baton and lead us on as we deal with both the good times and the challenges that life brings us.”

“Something bigger than myself – at times transcendent. Community. Fun. Beauty. An opportunity to learn and grow.”

“When we began talking about moving from the Philadelphia area to Stow in 1995, our son’s French horn teacher informed us that Stow was “a very musical town.” I don’t recall the teacher’s connection to Stow, but certainly surprised and intrigued by this assessment of a small town 300 miles away! Soon after moving, I was delighted to find the Sounds of Stow headed by Barbara Jones and Ernest Goldman rehearsing only 2-1/2 miles from our new home. I have been singing withe Chorus ever since 1996, always finding the music challenging, Barbara’s leadership enlightening and inspiring, and the overall experience a source of deep enjoyment.”

“Singing in a group is a great diversion from the pressures of life to beauty and creativity. I had a very high pressure job and singing with SOS was centering for me. Now that I’m retired, it’s just pure pleasure.

“This is our first time coming. I truly wish that we came before. The music is beautiful, brings a tear of joy to t my eye.

P.S. The conductor is amazing.”

“Being a part of Sounds of Stow has been inspiring, educational, and life affirming. Coming together to sing has truly been a highlight of many weeks for me over the years. My heart always feels lighter when I leave rehearsal after time spent making music with that phenomenal group of people.”

“Barbara Jones has provided me an opportunity to sing with other choral members, orchestra members and soloists in Stow for over three decades. I enjoyed the experience of singing classical and contemporary compositions under Barbara’s excellent artistic direction. I’ve also enjoyed the camaraderie and support of people with similar musical and other interests. I’ve made many good friends at the chorus who have been a source of inspiration and support. At times in my life when I’ve encountered difficulties, I’ve found a refuge with the Stow Chorus. The three performances with their many rehearsals has provided important structure for my years as a member of the Sounds of Stow.”

“I treasure this opportunity to perform world-class music with friends and neighbors,her in our little corner of the world!”

“Sounds of Stow has made my life complete. My earliest memories involve singing, and I have always considered singing to be as essential to my life as oxygen. SOS has offered the opportunity to make soul-satisfying music all year long; to continually learn new music, composers, and techniques; to be part of a community, and to make lasting friendships. Thank you, Barbara!”

Practicing music is a source of life-long solace and encouragement. Thank you for helping me find and cherish this wonderful life-hack!

I agree with the orchestra – this is the best chorus in the area, with the best leader. I love the music she picks, and enjoy her conducting. Years ago, when I was more active, I got to know Barbara more personally, and she is a lovely person.

This was my first concert with the group, and how I enjoyed the company and the singing techniques – not to mention the joy o performing with such a talented group of people! You are well deserving of accolades!  Best to all!

As a new resident of Massachusetts, I found a home with Sounds of Stow. Thanks to Barbara and the entire crew for the gift of music and the gift of new friendships! Looking forward to the 50th!

Music is my love, my soul.To have been a part of this wonderful chorus since almost the beginning has been a joy and enriched my life in ways I never imagined.

“Making world class music in little old Stow, Massachusetts! What an amazing organization – Thank you Sounds of Stow!”

“40 Years!  Discovery & enjoyment Wonderful Music! Great Journey!”

“Since 2002, we have looked forward to our Monday night choral rehearsals with Barbara Jones. It is an activity we can both shre and enjoy. We have also made many friends with Sounds of Stow. We wish Barbara many more years of directing. She has a great sense of humor and gives credit to all who make Sounds of Stow the success it is.”

“When I joined Sounds of Stow in the winter of 2005, I had not sung many of the large classical SATB choral works. I’ve a great deal – I’m a much better singer and musician now. I’ve had many peak spiritual experiences singing with SoS over the years.

I’m relocating out of state later this spring and I feel so fortunate to have sung such glorious music with SoS – and what a conclusion – Mozart’s Requiem.

Thank you, Barbara and the Board for everything you do.  Good luck and God Bless!”

“Having sung intermittently for 35 years, I have been fortunate to share in the joy, camaraderie, and growing musicianship of this wonderful group. Our dedicated director, Barbara Jones, tirelessly inspires, enlightens, and infuses each of us with her passion & artistry, patiently guiding us on journeys through new works and revisiting some old ones. Truly an honor and pleasure to sing with Sounds of Stow!”

“Singing with Sounds of Stow gives me a space where I can forget everything else going on in my life and concentrate on one thing only: music.”

“With 2 children, busy family life, and full time job, Monday night is my break from the routine. To be absorbed in wonderful music lifts the soul and exercises the mind. What a fantastic opportunity we have in true choir!”

“I moved to this area hoping to find organizations that would support my creative interests. Barbara and Sounds of Stow have given me the opportunity to continue singing and exploring classical choral works. I love learning the variety of music we perform. Hearing our sound supported by a full orchestra is thrilling. I hope the audience enjoys it as much as I do. Thank you, Barbara!”

“I can’t believe I’ve been singing of & on with the Stow Chorus for 16 years! Through my involvement with the chorus and wanting my children to have music in their lives, I’ve grown in my knowledge and appreciation of classical music. When times have bee difficult, I’ve carried the music with me during the week. It’s been a pleasure to be part of the the Stow Chorus and grow so much.”

“Barbara, You have made my life complete with this glorious music. I loved every minute of it with you. So happy!!!”

“Having been a Stow Chorus member since Nov 1991, this group has been my inspiration to challenge myself to learn many new works of art and to solo as an adult! The musical talent of Barbara and the chorus is undeniable and you have all become my lifetime friends and extended family. Thank you for being such an important part of my life!”

“Singing with Sounds of Stow and knowing Barbara Jones has definitely been one of the highlights of my life in Stow and of all time.”

“The Brahms Requiem drew me to the Sounds of Stow chorus many years ago. I had heard an appreciation on a National Public Radio program and was curious to know what made the work so inspiring. I found out over many rehearsals and have stayed with the chorus over the years because of the world of music and the great composers Barbara Jones has opened for me. The Mozart Requiem, the Monteverdi Vespers, the Bach Oratorio are just a few of the ‘continents’ I have explored through chord structure, dynamics and rhythm. After Monday rehearsals, it’s wonderful to have music in our head and heart all week from these great works. Thank you, Barbara, for this gift!”

Views from 2 trombonists:

“I think I’m a relatively new member, but it’s already been maybe 5 years. I enjoy the opportunity to play orchestra/chorus music – it isn’t something I get to do much. Congratulations on 40 years!”

“I’ve been playing in the Sounds of Stow for more years than I care to count. Barbara’s charm always makes it a pleasure!”

“Here’s to Barbara… Whose vision brings us together learning extraordinary music. Her thoughtful, insightful encouragement inspires us to be better musicians. You nourish my soul.”

“Barbara, Such a wonderful trip you have had, and I am so happy that Charles & I discovered you and SoS! If he was here he’d be singing and applauding the Chorus and YOU! I certainly am and hope we all continue well into the future. The best of everything for you!  Love and all good things!”

“Impossible to sum up my 22 years with Sounds of Stow. From the Verdi Requiem to Mozart Requiem! It has been a wonderful time! What does it all mean – I always know where to be on Monday nights! I’ve learned so much about choral music and made wonderful friends. How wonderful to sing with all those great soloists from Boston, join choruses from Worcester, and of course our trip to Coventry! I am so much more of a musician than I was 20 years ago. I love the earworms after each concert and definitely appreciate choral music more. All will be hard tot replace in NH [moving away], but I’ll certainly try. Can’t imagine not singing.”

from a member of the audience: 

“The gift of the Sounds of Stow Spring Concert was so powerful. As you can imagine, even though I don’t have a background in music, it still has the capacity to move me very much. Maybe especially because I read the notes about Gjeilo & Lauridsen composing “thoughts too deep for tears”, I found myself overwhelmed with my feelings about […] – in a good way. Certainly way beyond words. I imagine that in the course of preparing such music you and your fellow singers must be overcome now and then also. Thank you for opening this world for me and especially for your leadership with the effort.”

“Thanks for enabling me to start singing at age 50! 16 ago!”

“Love chance to sing such a variety of music with such a wonderful director. Just enough repetition, great score notations given! You respect us and we love you, Barbara.”

“Duruflé, Rutter, Chilcott, Mozart, Bach, Gjeilo, Parker/Shaw, Lauridsen, Handel, Fauré – the list could go on and on. These are the gifts Sounds of Stow has given me – a deep well of musical joy. Thank you, Barbara, most of all, for your patience and fierce devotion to this chorus. Your musical gifts are amazing and your energy contagious. How lucky we have all been these past 40 years!”

“Another wonderful concert! Thank you for all your hard work! Mozart was so fitting for this concert!”

“Beautiful job – chorus, soloists, conductor, orchestra! Thank you!”

“Well worth the trip from Scotland!”

“Congratulations to you all, especially Barbara, for 40 years! Really enjoying the performance!”