Harlan Musettes alumni gathered Oct. 4 in the Harlan Baptist Church to begin rehearsing for a concert in celebration of their 75th anniversary. The concert took place the next day at the church with a reception following.

Before the opening song, Clara Pope, assistant director and accompanist of the Musettes, introduced Marilyn Schraeder, director of the musettes. Pope presented her with a silk corsage and spoke of Schraeder’s accomplishments over the years. Schraeder was also presented with a dozen yellow roses from the alumni, which is a symbol of the Musettes.

“When the Musettes were first organized, they met one night a week at the Baptist church and then various homes,” Schraeder said. “When I started directing them in 1969, we met twice a week after school and had sectionals once a week. Later it was incorporated into the school schedule.”

Schraeder added this is her 50th year directing the Musettes.

“The theme this year is ‘Sparkle Like a Diamond,’ since it is the 75th year. The theme for the reunion was ‘Once a Musette, Always a Musette,’” Schraeder said.

Selections presented at the concert included “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” “Preludium” from The Sound of Music, “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” “The Rose,” “You Raise Me Up,” “My Hometown” and “The Alma Mater.”

Harlan Boys Choir alumni and several current members of the Boys Choir and Musettes joined in singing “I Believe” (Quodlibet with Bach-Gounod “Ave Maria”) and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

“Their 55th reunion will be next year, Labor Day weekend,” Schraeder said.

Schraeder recognized the following Harlan Musettes Hall of Fame recipients: Clara Atkins-Pope (1976), Marilyn Ward Unthank (1947) and Nancy Harris Allison (1950). She presented each of them with a necklace. The locket held charms which represented the Musettes.

She also honored the following members from the Class of 1950: Billie Blanton Easley (1955), Mary C. “Kitty” Goff Boswell (1956), Barbara Howard Herald (1958) and Linda Smith Abner (1958).

Presidents in attendance were recognized and presented a silver treble clef ornament: Julie R. Edmundson (1972), Janie R. Williams (1974), Sally R. Brentzel (1975), Lisa S. Cleary (1976), Mary Lynn S. Graham (1978), Donell N. Busroe (1984), Missy C. Bianchi (1985), Denise A. Abraham (1986), Marsha M. Smith (1989), Megan C. Lemaster (2009), Abbey A. Fields (2011), Leah Hollins (2014), Samantha Davenport (2015) and Tiffany Hampton (2017).

Alumni then formed a circle and sang “Candle on the Water” in memory of founder, Ailene Henderson, former directors Howard Smith, Dessie Barlow Wilson, LaVonne Smith, Ed Minor and other former members who have passed away.

“The sound last weekend, during the rehearsals as well as the concert, was awesome,” Schraeder said. “I had goosebumps the whole time, I loved seeing the expressions on their faces while they were performing. I was thrilled to death to see so many at the reunion.”

Those attending received a 75th anniversary T-shirt, which was donated by the family of Barbara Howard Herald, Class of 1958.

“I am thankful for the support the Musettes have received through the years from our administrators, community and parents,” Schraeder said. “We sang ‘My Hometown,’ and there is truly no other place like our hometown.”