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Midland Daily
News/SCOTT KINGSLEY
Grace Marra sings "Throw Wide the
Door" at "The Dream Restored" Gala Concert for the reopening of
Central Auditorium.
Grace Marra named 1999 Musician of
the Year
Grace Marra has been chosen as the 1999 recipient of
the Kendall-Pelton Musician of the Year Award.
This award, an engraved silver tray, was presented by Robert
Chapman, co-chair of the Midland Symphony Board of Managers, and John Torgerson,
chair-elect of The Music Society. The announcement was made at the Saturday
performance of "Christmas Collage" at the Midland Center for the Arts.
Marra grew up in New York State and earned a bachelor's of
music degree from State University of New York University at Fredonia and a
master's degree in vocal performance from Colorado State University. In 1985,
she came to Midland and became the director of the First United Methodist Church
Chancel Choir.
She has conducted the Music Society Chorale and has been a
volunteer coach for Teenage Musicals Inc. An active performer, Marra has soloed
with many civic organizations and has directed the Men of Music for the past
five years. She maintains an active voice studio and many of her students have
gone on to further study at the university level.
The Kendall-Pelton Musician of the Year Award is presented
annually to someone who has made a significant contribution over the years to
the musical life of Midland and whose example and dedication has affected people
of all ages.
The Kendall-Pelton Award was established in 1959 in
remembrance and honor of Harold S. Kendall and Grace and Earl Pelton. Kendall
was a founder of the Dow Music Department, which later became The Music Society.
The Peltons were early supporters of the Dow Symphony, which became the Midland
Symphony Orchestra.
This article and picture are reprinted here with
permission of the Midland Daily News.
