As we head into a season of gratitude, there is so much for which to be thankful. You are part of the Red Rose family, a group which arose out of the desire to further the development and love of music in children. Since its start in 1997, there have been countless rehearsals, pieces of sheet music, tour logistics, memorized lyrics, forgotten pearls… But most importantly, there has been a shared gift of the love of choral music and the beauty created by coming together in song. In the joyous spirit of the holiday season, we celebrate the sweetness of music, in which you have found friendship and laughter.
As our treasured alumni, we invite you to join us as we journey through our 25th season providing the gift of song to young people, watching them blossom just as we watched you. With this inaugural Red Rose Alumni Newsletter, we hope to rekindle memories, reassert our commitment to this organization and its enduring culture and remind you that we thrive because you all remain a vital piece of Red Rose and its history, both of which are “Still Blooming after 25 years.”
What are the Founding Directors Doing Now?
Speaking of history, while Sharon Augsburger, Jacquelyn Negus and Amy Younts retired in May 2019, they have certainly not been sitting around idly twiddling their thumbs. We thought you would be interested to learn what they have been doing.
Sharon Augsburger
Mrs. Augsburger has spent her time crisscrossing the country, delighting in the freedom she and Randy have found in letting the day direct them to live spontaneously. Her reflections are filled with wonder and poetry, and she takes endless delight in nature, in roaming and in the inexplicable deliciousness of combining maple syrup with soft-serve ice cream! She has put family first and has been busy loving and laughing with her children and grandchildren. She is also discovering other gifts, the fruits of which are still in development. However, be on the lookout for an outgrowth of her love of children, music and poetry.
Jacquelyn Negus
Having officially retired her Quest Academy Headmistress Hat this past summer, Mrs. Negus has embraced a whirlwind of travel. Her visits have included welcoming grandchild #6 and #7, bringing her 94-year-old mother to California to enjoy the ocean and the offspring and an Alaskan escapade where a few mischievous Red Rose alumni chaperones and the beloved Mrs. Lim joined. Though she may break into song as she opens up the windows to let fresh air into the Negus 38-foot RV, the true practicing happens at home so she will be ready to accompany the Quest Academy Choirs for their winter concerts. If you listen carefully, you might also hear Mr. Negus keeping his musical chops sharp as he is one of the spectacular musicians featured in the cirque inspired cabaret, Teatro ZinZanni currently playing in downtown Chicago.
Amy Younts
When Mrs. Younts is not delighting her granddaughters Quinn and Laine with adventure-filled visits to the zoo or corn maze, she is up to her elbows in the yarn bin, selecting all manner of colors and textures for her beautifully knitted beanies. As Baba of Baba’s Beanies, she warms lucky recipients’ hearts and heads with her cozy creations. True to her tagline of “Everyone deserves something handmade with love,” she demonstrates her generosity and spirit by donating one beanie for each beanie sold to an organization serving the homeless in the purchaser’s community.
Our 25th Season
As part of the Red Rose Family, know that alumni are ALWAYS welcome at our events. Having you there to support us in spirit and song is a true blessing. The following is the schedule of our 25th season:
Director Cory Thompson Sings at Cubs Game
July 30, 2021
Red Rose Choir Director Cory Thompson began the season displaying her own vocal gifts singing as part of the pregame ceremonies of a Cubs’ home game. Fun fact – she has been doing this every season (except last year during the height of Covid) since 2006!
September 16, 2021
The Red Rose tradition of gathering at Camp Duncan returned after a hiatus for Covid-19. There may have been masks, but that did not impede the special bonding time of kicking-off the season with song, team-building challenges, games, and laughter.
Libertyville Christmas Tree Lighting
November 26, 2021 – 6:30 pm, Libertyville Downtown Square
Master Singers and Bella Rosa will be a featured choir kicking off the holiday season. If you are in town, come enjoy some holiday spirit reliving your days singing together and supporting the community.
December 18, 2021 – 2:00 PM* and 4:30 PM, Vernon Hills High School, Vernon Hills, IL
Our first concert back in a concert hall after Covid-19 celebrates the holidays with angelic voices lifted in song. What a blessing! *Note: The Prelude, Concert and Boys I Choirs will only perform at the 2:00 PM concert. All other choirs will perform at both concerts.
Love Notes Concert
February 26, 2022 – 2:00 PM, Libertyville High School, Libertyville, IL
Do you remember Vocal Valentines? The Love Notes concert was the outgrowth of that. It is a wonderful way to cast off the mid-winter blahs. We would love having you there to share your passion for choral singing.
25th Anniversary Concert
June 5, 2022 – 2:00 PM, Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, IL
Cannot believe we are already celebrating twenty-five seasons of this amazing organization with a special concert and reception?! Together, we will enjoy wonderful memories of the past, share the joy of the present season, and anticipate what the future holds for this treasured community. The founding directors will be present, so please mark your calendars as we hope all of you can join us and be part of this joy-filled celebration.
Next Issue
We will highlight the current choirs and their directors, Cory Thompson, Nicole Drake, Jonathan Weppler and Pat Cole. It will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about the current choirs and how they have blossomed in new ways. A special note of gratitude for these leaders who pivoted during the pandemic and kept the music-making of Red Rose Children’s Choir of Lake County and the Lake County Boys Choir strong, navigating an unprecedented challenging time in all our lives.