SOUND Affect Strikes the Right Chord at Woodbridge's Earth Day Event

Woodbridge's Earth Day celebration this year was not just about environmental awareness; it was also a celebration of community spirit and musical talent. Taking center stage at the event, SOUND Affect offered a sneak peek into their upcoming spring concert, on Monday, May 20th. The songs performed ranged from captivating melodies to soul-stirring harmonies, giving the audience a taste of what to expect at the much-anticipated event. And if the Earth Day performance was anything to go by, the spring concert promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

Carol Taubl, director (center) is surrounded by several members of Sound familiar (adult ensemble), sound proof (teen ensemble), and sound byte (children ensemble).

Dawn Taubl, Assistant Director of SOUND Affect, shared exciting news about the choir's sister organization, SOUND & Stage. This nonprofit theater company is on a mission to bring original theatrical productions to the local community, and their latest endeavor, "Hopelessly Devoted," is already generating buzz. Auditions for this musical are now open, offering aspiring performers and backstage crew members an opportunity to be part of something truly special.

Last year, SOUND & Stage made waves with their debut production, "The Last Letter," which premiered at the Strand Theater in Seymour, CT. The success of this show is a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone involved, from the performers to the production team.During the Earth Day event, local singer Jessica Coppola, who played Lily Bosco a principal character in "The Last Letter," captivated the audience with her rendition of "Run," a moving composition by Carol Taubl. Despite the challenging weather conditions, with winds sweeping across the venue, Carol and Jessica delivered a performance straight from the heart, showcasing their remarkable talent and unwavering passion for music.

jessica coppola (vocalist) performing an original song by Carol Taubl (pianist) during earth day event.

For those inspired by the performances and eager to get involved, SOUND & Stage offers a range of opportunities, from auditioning for roles in upcoming productions to joining the choir or contributing behind the scenes. The sense of camaraderie and creativity that permeates through both SOUND Affect and SOUND & Stage is truly infectious, making it a community worth being a part of.

To learn more about how to get involved with SOUND & Stage, visit soundandstagetheater.com

Tickets for the SOUND Affect Spring concert on May 20, are available here. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of live music and theater in your own backyard!

Celebrating the life of Ray Ketchum (February 22, 1935 - January 7, 2024)

The SOUND Affect family offers their condolences to the Williams family, co-founders and board members of SOUND Affect International, as they remember their father/grandfather Ray Ketchum. Ray Ketchum was a loyal attendee and supporter of SOUND Affect shows and events from the very beginning of its founding. His love for singing often led him to joyfully join in whenever he recognized the music being performed. We thank the Williams and Ketchum families for providing a way for people to donate to SOUND in his honor. We are beyond grateful to continue our mission through the generosity of people like Ray and his wife Gwen. We invite you to take some time to read Ray’s obituary and learn about his incredible life.

“Ray Ketchum died on January 7, 2024, as the year’s first snow fell across Connecticut. His family was present.

Raymond Elliot Backley Ketchum II, the son of Raymond Elliott Backley Ketchum and Leila Virginia Findley Ketchum, was born February 22, 1935 in Jacksonville, Florida. 

He received his BS degree from West Point in 1957 and his MBA from the University of Alabama in 1966.  Ray had many interests not directly related to his formal education. He sang in the Cadet Glee Club, was a skilled swordsman, and his oratorial and debating skills were as sharp as his weapons.  His peers wrote in his West Point yearbook: "His devotion to non-academic duties was superlative…and at no time did he permit his curriculum to interfere with his education."   

Ray was a decorated combat veteran who proudly served for 30 years in the United States Army. He retired as a Colonel in 1987 following three tours of duty in Vietnam, tours in Germany and Japan, and across the United States. 

Upon retiring, he settled in Stamford, Connecticut, the hometown of his wife Gwendolyn June and the ancestral home of the June family. He helped veterans find employment, served in the local church and sang in its choir, and joyfully sang in the University Glee Club of New York City. He was also a past president of Stamford’s “gem”, Learning In Retirement.

Ray was the most honorable of men and he was fiercely devoted to his family. He lived his life using as guides, passages from the West Point Cadet prayer: "Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong." and from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Psalm of Life": “Act,—act in the living Present!  Heart within, and God o'erhead!" 

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, and love of his life, Gwen, son Raymond, daughter June Williams, grandchildren Trevor Williams, Dawn Williams Taubl, Pria Williams, Chris Ketchum, Katie Ketchum, great grandchildren Kylie and Skylar Williams, and his beloved dog, Latte. 

A memorial gathering to celebrate Ray’s life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a donation to the Humane Society International (hsi.org), Sound-Affect.org, or a charity of your choice.”