Hello. Let me introduce myself. As of July of 2020, I am President Elect of the DCS, taking over from our dear Jeanne Bandy, who will continue as President Emeritus. Jeanne will provide me with invaluable information and continuity from her vast experience as President. There's probably not much that she hasn't done and I am grateful for her support.

For those of you I haven't had the pleasure of meeting, I have sung second alto in the adult chorus for eight years. For the last six years I was Recording Secretary for the DCS. In 1997 while living in Albuquerque and singing in a chorus at the University of New Mexico, our chorus was invited to join the DCS in a performance with Music in the Mountains. My husband (who sings tenor/baritone) and I both fell in love with Durango and vowed to move here someday. And we were lucky! Not only to have moved here, but to be accepted into the DCS. We have sung beautiful music, had wonderful experiences, and made lifelong friends. And I have been nourished by the enthusiasm of our audiences.

In the coming months there are many challenges facing our organization and all arts organizations, due to the pandemic, to which we are all adjusting. The DCS found it necessary to cancel all our events this spring and summer and sadly, think we will have to cancel or postpone the first half of our new season. It particularly hurts that the children involved in the Durango Youth Chorus and the Durango Children's Chorale have had to sacrifice another loved activity in their lives.

Our Artistic Directors, Linda Mack Berven and Amy Barrett, are very creative people who have many ideas about keeping our organization vibrant. And our Executive Director Dawn Spaeder is tireless. I am lucky to represent such talented and professional people. I will give them all my support, as I know you will. Be sure to check out the videos on our Youtube page.

I would welcome any input or comments from you.

Abby Bowen
DCS Board President