Jason Tramm, Music Director
The Putnam Chorale named Dr. Jason Tramm as its new music director and conductor in 2023, only the third in the Chorale's history. Noted as a "Conductor to Watch" by Symphony Magazine and as "filled with Italianate passion" by the Huffington Post, Jason C. Tramm's career as an educator and musical leader spans multiple decades. An accomplished educator, he serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Seton Hall University where he leads the University Chorus, Chamber Choir, and Orchestra. In 2017, Seton Hall University Awarded him the University Faculty Teacher of the Year. Educating and mentoring the next generation of musicians has always been a central part of Jason Tramm's career. He is also actively sought as a clinician and regularly presents lectures on a wideariety of musical topics.
Jason’s range of experience in choral directing, and his breadth of contacts and leadership in the musical world make an exciting professional for this position. The 2024-25 season is the Chorale's 40th and we are honored to have him join our organization.
“I am most excited to begin my tenure with the dedicated members of the Putnam Chorale”, said Dr. Tramm. “I look forward to bringing the best choral performances to the audiences of Putnam County and beyond in the seasons to come.”
Dr. Tramm holds degrees in music from the Crane School, the Hartt School, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting from Rutgers University, where he was the recipient of their prestigious Presidential Fellowship. In 2003, he joined the ranks of Metropolitan Opera Stars Renee Fleming and Stephanie Blythe when he was honored with the Rising Star Award from the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association. His work in the choral, symphonic and operatic realms have received critical acclaim throughout the United States and abroad.
He served as Artistic Director of the New Jersey State Opera from 2008 to 2012, where he collaborated with some of the finest voices in opera, including Samuel Ramey, Vladimir Galouzine, Angela Brown, Gregg Baker, and Paul Plishka. His 2009 HDTV broadcast with PBS affiliate NJN of "Verdi Requiem: Live from Ocean Grove," garnered an Emmy Award nomination.
The busy maestro is entering his 18th season as Director of Music, in Residence, of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association in the summer months, where he leads the choral, orchestral, and oratorio performances in the historic 6,500-seat Great Auditorium. In addition to the Ocean Grove Choir Festival, a beloved event in its 64th year and attended by thousands, he has appeared on two National Public Radio broadcasts with organ virtuoso Gordon Turk and symphonic orchestra.
David Johnson, Rehearsal Accompanist
David Johnson is a graduate of Lawrence University, Conservatory of Music, with a major in organ. He earned his M.M.A. from Yale University School of Music, majoring in organ performance with a minor in Harpsichord. David is currently director of music at Greenwich Reform Synagogue and St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Greenwich, CT. He serves as staff accompanist for the Bedford Central School District. The Putnam Chorale is delighted to have David as rehearsal accompanist and he has been with us for many concert seasons over several years. He has written numerous choral works, several on commission from vocal groups in Greenwich. Mr. Johnson lives in Danbury, CT.
The Board of Directors
Nicholas Simonelli, President
Katherine Gambino, Vice President
Jane Freeman, Secretary
Carol Paterno, Treasurer
Louise Farber
Louise Hazebrouck
Carol Jendras
Pat Miller
Ellen Purcigliotti
Jan Protano
Amy Rastadt
Jay Ryan
Webmaster Irene Alcoforado, Pathway Web Designs
The Chorale
The Putnam Chorale includes amateur and aspiring professional singers from Putnam, Westchester, and Dutchess counties and nearby Connecticut. All that is required to join this congenial group is a love of singing. There are no auditions, although we take our singing seriously and create compelling performances with various accompaniments ranging from full orchestra to chamber ensembles. Now is always the best time to join us! Tenors and Basses and basses are especially welcome. See Sing with Us for more information on rehearsal locations and details.
The Putnam Chorale Ensembles
Several smaller Ensemble groups bring music to diverse venues. Outreach performances are dedicated to bringing music to area nursing homes, hospitals, and community events. Other performances are fundraisers for the Chorale. The recent addition of a Summer Ensemble has extended the singing season past the traditional spring concert. Anyone may join the ensembles and participation is separate from the main Chorale. The Ensemble has its own rehearsal schedule which varies according to project.
Other local events where the ensemble has performed:
Old Southeast Church - Summer Sing, Vocal Arts Workshop and Summer Performance
Putnam Nursing Home - Spring/Holiday selections, old favorites
The Plaza at Clover Lake - Spring/Holiday selections, old favorites
Putnam Nursing & Rehabilitation Center - Spring/Holiday selections, old favorites
Putnam Hospital Center - seasonal music
Carmel Hamlet Civic Association - Christmas Tree Lighting, Menorah Lighting
Village of Brewster - Christmas Caroling, Founder's Day
Town of Patterson - Special town event
Lake Carmel - Earth Day Celebration
Mahopac Falls Fourth of July Celebration - patriotic selections
Putnam County Park Civil War Reenactment - Civil War music
Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent - Multicultural Millennium Celebration
Mahopac Library - classical music selections
September 11th Memorial - "Rolling Requiem"
If you know of other events in which you'd like to request our participation in, please contact us. Be sure to include:
A description and purpose of the event
Dates and time of the event
Host or sponsor of the event
Music preference for the occasion
Your name and phone number as a contact.
We will discuss your request with the Putnam Chorale Board of Directors and respond back to you promptly.
Thank You for considering us!