On December 17, New Castle residents gathered together for a holiday treat—the Chappaqua Public Library’s inaugural winter concert. On a chilly Sunday, the library’s warm auditorium provided the perfect setting for an afternoon of music and seasonal refreshments. This concert was especially meaningful to the Greeley family since it highlighted our own Quaker Notes.
The Quaker Notes are one of Greeley’s beloved a cappella groups. Their staff advisor, Mr. Chris Palermo, is quick to praise how “this group is student-led, how they come up with all their own arrangements, and do all their own training.”
While the Quaker Notes have historically performed around town during the holidays, this was their first performance at the town’s library. The idea for the concert began with the Chappaqua Public Library’s Program Coordinator, Joan Kuhn. “I was interested in having an a cappella group come to the library,” Ms. Kuhn explained, “We had one many years ago, from Colgate University, and they were very well received. So I really wanted to repeat that success.” Mr. Palermo added, “Ms. Kuhn reached out to me in October, asking if the Greeley a cappella groups would be interested.”
The group was ecstatic about getting the chance to perform at the library. Heading into the concert, Quaker Notes member Bailey Card remarked that “the library is a great opportunity to connect with our community. It will be our first time performing our full set which is really exciting. I can’t wait to come together and enjoy this music.” Eva Millerman, another Quaker Note member, added, “I’m excited and I can’t wait for the community to come together and enjoy our music.”
The event began with a speech by Ms. Kuhn, explaining what the concert was and telling the audience about upcoming events hosted by the library around the New Castle area. Shortly after, the Quaker Notes came on stage. They performed a set of seven songs, which ranged in style from classic rock to pop songs. Afterward, Ms. Kuhn came out again to say a big thank you to the group and to let everyone know about the food and drinks being served for those who had just performed as well as those who enjoyed the show.
The community was extremely impressed by the Quaker Notes’ talent. Community member Samantha Golub remarked, “It was amazing, the girls were incredible and I loved it.” The group was also supported by former Quaker Notes from past years. 2022 Greeley graduate Lexi Ballou, who used to be a leader of the group, felt “It was really fun and a great way to show off their talent. Also, I think it is good prep for their upcoming concerts.”
Ms. Kuhn’s and the Quaker Notes’ hard work clearly paid off, as the Chappaqua Library’s winter concert was deemed a hit by performers and attendees alike. Both the library staff and the Quakers Notes leadership are looking forward to making this an annual event. Ms. Kuhn reported, “I spoke to Mr. Palermo after and I said even though this was the first time, I’d like to continue it from now on. The Quakers Notes will come every holiday season to play the winter concert.”
Concerts like this are not all the library has to offer; an entire list of upcoming events for the community may be found on their website. As they say at the library, “Check it out!”