Arts Alliance off ers full range of programs for fall
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

Marlborough/Hudson - The Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the Hudson and Marlborough communities with visual and performing arts and education, and offers a large variety of programs for children, youth and adults.

The Arts Alliance currently has several opportunities for residents interested in tapping into their creativity.

The River's Edge Chorale is holding their first rehearsal of the season Tuesday Oct. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hudson High School. The group is part of an expanding program under the direction of choral director Paul Johnson, a former 32-year veteran of the Hudson Public Schools responsible for teaching music and drama. The group will be rehearsing traditional British choral arrangements as well as other music in preparation for the upcoming holiday season.

For youth who love to sing, the Pro Musica Youth Chorus rehearsals are beginning Monday Oct. 22. Singers in grades three through 12 are invited to join the group, led by the executive director of the Arts Alliance and founder of the performing group, Jan Patterson. The chorus, which is now in its 21st season, is an opportunity for children and youth in the community to develop their vocal skills, enhance their selfconfidence and learn to work as a group.

"This is an exciting year for the group because several kids graduated last year and this year we have lots of spaces open for new members," Patterson said.

The Arts Alliance is also sponsoring two nine-week sessions of after-school programs that begin in October and January. The programs, which are held at a variety of schools, offer students an opportunity to participate in music lessons, ceramics, art, drama and much more.

For those who enjoy art displays, the Arts Alliance is hosting two gallery exhibitions in Hudson. The Art in the Hall exhibit that is currently running at the Town Hall features a large selection of watercolor pieces by artist Lori Fryklund. The other exhibition, a Juried Art Show, kicked off Oct. 11 at the Citizens Bank on Pope Street.

Both exhibits are open to the public during regular business hours, with some of the artwork available for purchase.

The last event being hosted by the Arts Alliance this fall is the performance of the River's Edge Players. The community theater group is deep in rehearsals of the mystery comedy "Murder in the Wings." The full-length production is about a script company about to throw a contract signing party when they discover the boss has been murdered.

"This year's performance cast is a real mix of old and new performers," Patterson said. "It is an exciting dynamic group of actors and actresses, and the new cast brings energy to those who have done it before, so that creates a continuous theater group."

The performance will run for two weekends, Nov. 9 and 10 and Nov. 16 and 17 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The programs listed are a sampling of programs that are offered. For more information about becoming involved or attending any of the Arts Alliance programs, call 978 562-1646 or visit the Web site at www.upwitharts. org.