If you happen to be in the area of the Overlook Clubhouse any Wednesday evening between 7–9 PM, and you listen carefully, you might hear strains of the classics, jazz, Broadway, rock and roll, holiday music, or military songs emanating from the ballroom. That is the night that the Glee Club of The Pinehills has rehearsed since its inception 21 years ago.

Pinehills resident John Kushkowski had the inspiration to form a chorus and brought the first group together in his living room. As the group expanded and outgrew the space, they happily found a larger permanent home at the Great Island Clubhouse and continue to rehearse there each week from April through December.

Numbering 30–45 active members each season, the Glee Club has become a group of friends who enjoy singing and being together. For many, joining the Glee Club was the first thing they did on moving to The Pinehills. Some have sung recently with church choirs or other groups, while others are reviving school and community chorale experiences. A few have sung professionally. All are united by a love for singing and for the joy it brings to us and our audiences. Frequently you will hear someone say, "I came into rehearsal exhausted, and part way through, I was smiling and upbeat."

The Glee Club's second director, Marcia Cunningham, came on board after the group moved to Great Island. She originally offered her services as accompanist, but before long she was conducting and arranging music for the group. Marcia was a strong and steady leader for the Glee Club, remaining at the helm for 18 years before retiring.

Barbara Durham, our current director, joined us 3 years ago. She brings an extensive background of music leadership as a junior–senior high school music teacher and a professional singer in many choirs and choruses in Los Angeles. You can even hear her singing in the background soundtracks of a few movies, including "Independence Day" and "My Best Friend's Wedding."
We are fortunate to have had the support of excellent accompanists, beginning with Donna Hollis for our first 12 years, followed by Jean Bloom, Susan Hadfield, Mimi Ace, and now Claudia Hopewell. They are essential to both learning and performing complex choral music.

Founding member Lynn Rothstein sums up her experience of what participation in the group has meant to her. "I was happy to have the opportunity to be one of the founders of the Glee Club. I've served as Vice President and Treasurer, but for me, singing and performing for the enjoyment of the audiences and connecting with them through the music is what makes me love being in the Glee Club."

Singing together is uplifting and energizing! We agree with the great singer Ella Fitzgerald, who eloquently stated: "The only thing better than singing is more singing!"

Welcoming new members each season, we look forward to continuing our 21-year tradition and our unique and valuable contribution to The Pinehills community.
– Debbie Plume, Glee Club of The Pinehills

Celebrating 25 Years

The only thing better than singing is more singing! — Ella Fitzgerald

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