JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund proclaimed “A Cappella Choir Day” in the City of Jamestown in honor of the choir’s 100th anniversary during the JHS A Cappella & Penny Wars Assembly on Friday. Dec. 20 at Jamestown High School. A longtime tradition, the assembly features a performance by the A Cappella Choir and the final results of the month-long Penny Wars fundraiser. 

Ecklund issued the proclamation to director Lauren Scharf, previous directors Brian Bogey, and Norman Lydell, as well as JHS Principal Allyson Smith and JPS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker. City Council President and retired JHS teacher and student organization advisor Tony Dolce was also on hand for the event. 

“Whereas the Jamestown High School A Cappella Choir has a distinguished 100 year history, enriching the lives of students, alumni, and the Jamestown community through the art of choral music,” Ecklund’s proclamation read in part. “And whereas annual Vespers serve as a cherished tradition in Jamestown bringing together the community in the spirit of unity, peace, and joy during this holiday season.”

Choral music education has enjoyed a long, rich tradition at Jamestown High School marked by the arrival of Ebba Goranson in 1920. In 1924, Goranson combined the boys and girls glee clubs to form the A Cappella Choir, serving as its first director until her passing in 1957. A trailblazer, 100 years ago this year, she was also named the district’s Supervisor of Music — the first woman in the state to be assigned such responsibility.

Prior to her passing on Dec. 10, 1957, Goranson, who had been ill most of that holiday season, remarked to her pastor, “This Christmas, I shall hear the perfect A Cappella Choir” according to The Post-Journal’s reporting of her death.

Lucille Lown, Goranson’s accompanist, finished out the 1957-58 school year. In 1958, the district appointed Donald B. Bubé, a vocal instructor from Ithaca College, to serve as the second director of the choir. A passionate artist, he served the high school until 1981. Two of his students went on to succeed him. 

In 1982, Bogey became the first alumnus of the choir to hold the director’s position. Since his retirement in 2003, he continues to support the efforts of the A Cappella through friendship, counsel, and as organist. From 2003 to 2020, Lydell served as director and continues to provide counsel to and support to the choir in many ways. Scharf was appointed to serve as director in 2020.

The choir was joined by over 400 alumni on Saturday, Dec. 14 for their 100th anniversary Vespers performance.