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Chanticleer in Sonoma Choral Workshop |
The mission of the Sonoma County Choral Society is to promote the performance
and enjoyment of choral music in the northern San Francisco Bay Area. Based at The Sonoma County Choral Society focuses its efforts in four areas: Sponsoring choirs: SCCS serves as an
umbrella organization for three ongoing choirs, for an Honor Choir (in collaboration
with the Santa Rosa Symphony), and for two special-project ensembles. Presenting events: SCCS produces
a concert series featuring its own choirs and outstanding guest ensembles,
as well as workshops and other choral events in the community. Promoting education: In
addition to linking closely with the SSU music curriculum, SCCS sponsors its
own educational offerings, helping singers to build strong voices, sensitive
ears and sharp minds. Providing resources: In partnership
with SSU and other local organizations, SCCS provides its singers and the community
at large with a wide range of resources, including scores, books, recordings, software and information. Through these activities, the Sonoma County Choral Society works to build a
community of musicians and music-lovers of all ages to share the experience
of this magnificent music. Robert Worth is Professor of Music and Choral Director at Sonoma State University, where he has taught since 1983. At SSU, he directs two choruses: The Sonoma County Bach Choir and the SSU Chamber Singers. Bob is also the founding music director of the Sonoma County Choral Society, a university-community partnership which fosters the performance and appreciation of choral music in the northern Bay Area.
In addition to his work in the field of choral music, Worth has a specialty in Kodály musicianship training, and for ten years ran the ear training program at SSU. He is a composer and arranger of both choral music and jazz, and his vocal jazz arrangements have been performed by many groups throughout California and beyond. He has been deeply involved in the Green Music Center project since its inception, serving as consultant to the architects on such issues as acoustics, choral performance facilities and the Cassin pipe organ.
Worth received his BA in music at SSU in 1980, and earned his MA in musicology at UC Berkeley. He has received numerous community and university honors, including SSU’s Outstanding Professor Award for 1996-97 and Distinguished Alumni Award for 2007-08. After completing numerous collaborative projects with Jeffrey Kahane and the Santa Rosa Symphony, he was named to the position of choral director at the Santa Rosa Symphony in 2002.
Email Address: worth@sonoma.edu
After eight years as a member of the Sonoma County Bach Society, Melanie readily accepted the opportunity to be SCCS President in September of 2003. She is committed to working to provide choral educational opportunities and quality performances to Sonoma County audiences and students of all ages.
Email Address: mlynnd4@yahoo.com
Bob Worth
Melanie Dodson-Bolin
Melanie Dodson is a Sonoma County native and graduate of Sonoma State University’s Hutchin’s School of Liberal Studies and Department of Education. Throughout her education and professional life she has participated in choral ensembles, including all four of the SCCS choirs. Music, education, business organization and community involvement have been recurring themes in her work as a Child Care Center Director, Elementary School Teacher and currently as the Assistant Director of the Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4Cs)--a non-profit agency working to improve the quality and availability of child care in Sonoma County.