The Contemporary Chorale has a unique niche in the Richardson, TX community and exists to provide quality musical entertainment that achieves a high standard of excellence. As the oldest, continuously operating choir in North Texas, The Contemporary Chorale welcomes adults of all ages in the Dallas Area who love to sing. Our dedicated vocalists represent many facets of Richardson and our neighboring communities and come together weekly to rehearse music that represents many musical styles. From jazz to Broadway to traditional choral anthems during the holidays, we strive to create a learning environment that provides an opportunity for our singers to experience personal musical growth, thereby enhancing the artistic value of our performances.
The Chorale performs two main concerts annually, Christmas and Spring.
We are fortunate to sing under the exceptional direction of Melanie Moore. Her years of experience have given her the ability to bring out the best in each of us. Her expertise expands our knowledge of vocal technique with patience and humor. The Chorale is expertly accompanied by Crysta Jones.
The mission of The Contemporary Chorale is to Entertain, Educate and Inspire our community through musical performances noted for their creative and artistic excellence.
President - Sandra Trevino
Vice President - Lynette Wood
Secretary - Kim Ruby
Treasurer - Harry Doerr
Parliamentarian - Alicia McDonnold
Melinda Cotten
Sally Emert
Holly Hale
Sherry McCray
Mike Mirau
The Artistic Advisory Board for The Contemporary Chorale consists of members chosen from the community to meet with the Artistic Director and Officers to give feedback. Issues of public relations, marketing, fundraising and overall persona are of special interest, with strategic planning being of utmost importance.
Artistic Director 2000 - Present
Melanie Moore is presently in her twentieth season with The Contemporary Chorale. Additionally, she is the Associate Choral Director at Rowlett High School. She has taught music privately and in the public school system collectively for 35 years. She taught both elementary and secondary choral music in the Lake Highlands area (Richardson ISD). She has also served as Adjunct Professor of Music Education at Dallas Baptist University where she taught courses in elementary and secondary music education methods. Ms. Moore is in demand as a vocal, choral and instrumental accompanist, and vocal/choral coach and clinician, and has coached more than 30 students to the TMEA All-State Choir. She holds a B.M. in Piano Pedagogy from Oklahoma Baptist University and a M.A. in Music Education from Texas Woman's University. Professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and Texas Choral Director's Association (TCDA), Sigma Alpha Iota Honorary Music Fraternity, and Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society. Melanie and her husband Wes, have one daughter, Zoë.
Collaborative Pianist 2013 - Present
Crysta Jones is enjoying her fourth season accompanying the Chorale. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University and her Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University. Crysta began her piano training at age five and has trained classically for fifteen years. She has played in the Lake Highlands area for eleven years, both as a solo pianist and as an accompanist for high school choirs, vocalists, and band students. Crysta also enjoys serving as accompanist for the New Song Community Choir. Crysta and her husband, Jeff, have four grown children.