The Chesapeake Civic Chorus
Board of Directors
Serving on the board of a non-profit organization has serious fiduciary, legal, and ethical responsibilities. The Chesapeake Civic Chorus is governed legally and ethically by a board of directors who possess a mix of basic skills that include marketing, technical, entrepreneurial, social service and educational skills. Our Directors serve as volunteers who are heavily involved in the work of the foundation. Their passion and commitment are the most important skill they bring to the Chorus.
Mrs. Geraldine Boone
Executive Director
Mrs. Geraldine T. Boone currently teaches Music Theory, Counterpoint and serves as Chair of the Theory Department at Norfolk State University. She is also the former Coordinator of the Master of Music program at Norfolk State University. Mrs. Boone has served on numerous national, state, and local boards promoting the music and the arts. She is also the founder of Norfolk’s Park Place Boys’ Choir, now called the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads and has served as Accompanist since its inception.
Mr. Harold Rollins
Treasurer
Harold Rollins, Treasurer – Mr. Rollins was born and bred in Chesapeake, VA and has been creating music there his entire life. He graduated from Norfolk State University with a degree in Music Education. He served in the U.S. Army, eventually retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He then became an insurance agent for Allstate Insurance Company. He has been the Minister of Music and a Deacon at his church for over 30 years. He is married and has two sons. Though he has sung with the Chesapeake Civic Chorus for many years, he just joined the Board of Directors in 2016, serving as Treasurer.
Rita Reid
Board Member
Rita Reid - A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Rita S. Reid began her love of music at the very young age of six while singing in a children’s choir. Surrounded by all genres of music influenced by her family, her passion grew. Her love affair with music continued throughout her adult life. She enjoyed singing first soprano for over thirty years in her church choir in San Diego, as well as, the senior choir at First Baptist Church Berkeley. There, she served as the children’s choir director for over 25 years.
A retired Chesapeake City Schools teacher, she enjoys gardening, tutoring ESL students, and spending time with family and friends. As a former member of the Chesapeake Civic Chorus, her deepest desire is that the community’s love and appreciation of all music will expand through the melodic voices of the Chesapeake Civic Chorus.
Mrs. Doris Patterson-Brown
Chairperson
Doris Patterson-Brown is the newest member of the Chesapeake Civic Chorus Board of Directors. Although a native New Yorker, Doris has lived in Chesapeake Virginia for over 20 years. As the founder of The Heir & Heiress Club, Inc., she is focused on keeping children involved with positive activities. Doris’ focus will be on marketing the Chesapeake Civic Chorus as the talent driven professional organization it is.
Mr. Ted Hicks
Board Member
Mr. Hicks, a native of Norfolk, VA, currently resides in Chesapeake. He is a graduate of Virginia Union University with a B.S. in Biology. He has completed graduate work at Hofstra University and Old Dominion University. He was employed 35 years with the Virginia Employment Commission, retiring in 2000 as Employment Office Manager. Mr. Hicks is married and has two children and two grandchildren. He has been a church musician for 48 years and a member of the Chesapeake Civic Chorus for 25 years; this is his first year as a board member.
Mrs. Carol Abramson
Board Member
Carol has been involved in the arts as a singer, actor and musician since childhood. She joined the Norfolk Musical Theater in 1985, she sang with the Chesapeake Civic Chorus and the St. Cecilia Cammarata. She has been a Commissioner of Fine Arts for the City of Chesapeake off and on for a total of 18 years with her latest term ending in August 2013. She is on the Boards of DIrectors of the Chesapeake Friends of the Arts (Arts Alive! Chesapeake) and the Chesapeake Civic Chorus, and is on the Chesapeake Sister Cities Committee.
She held the office of Recording Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Division of the Hampton Roads’ Chamber of Commerce, Chesapeake from 2011 to 2013. She has been re-appointed to the Women’s DIvision Board and will serve as Cultural Chair. She served on the Area VI Advisory Panel for the Virginia Commission for the Arts for two terms, 2012 and 2013 In addition, she has served on various advisory committees throughout the City of Chesapeake.