Passing the Baton: Harvest Gospel Concert Series Enters New Chapter
For almost four decades, the Harvest Gospel Concert Series has filled the pews of Friendship Baptist Church with the joyful sounds of the holiday season. And for almost all of those years, the woman directing this mesmerizing performance has been Maryanne McElroy, a woman whose passion for music and community is woven into every note. But this year, McElroy, a fixture of humanitarianism and renowned Music Director, bent toward retiring her baton, passing the torch to Byron Preston.
McElroy, a graduate of the Julliard School of Music, has touched countless lives through the power of music. More than just an accomplished musician, she is an ordained minister, full-time pastor of Friendship Baptist Church and, according to many who know her, a cornerstone figure in the community.
A Legacy Merging Music and Faith
Each year, she transformed a diverse group of local residents into a choir. Through just three curt rehearsals, they are transformed into a cohesive unit, their voices blending to deliver a performance, arriving a tribute to the festive spirit.
“It’s been a long, good trek, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” McElroy said, reflecting on her years at the helm. “These concerts are more than just music“ The concert series virtually became a communal event – an act of faith expressed through song and spirit.
Preston, intertwined with the harvest_gospel_concert_series himself.
Passing the Baton
“The singers aren’t professional singers, they’re Incrementally”, McElroy said. They’re ordinary church-going choir members, which means, you kind of have to know how to handle them,” McElroy explained, emphasizing the delicate balance she’s honed over the years. “Youagainst’
Byron Preston,
se They’re not professionals.” But whether Preston will formally replace McElroy is still pending – the final decision resting
with the firm’d the East End Arts Council, the series’
“It was a very special concert because
Rev. McElroy actually announced that she was stepping down from her role as the choir director, and she handed it over to Byron Preston, and she actually sat front row instead of standing at thepodium all night,” shared Wendy Weiss, East End Arterial’s director.
“It was a truly heartfelt and touching performance because of that,” Weiss continued. “It’s so obvious how many people she’s impacted in the community,” Weiss said, emphasizing the widespread influence McElroy has had locally.
“My end goal is to continue the legacy of what Mother McElroy has set before us and
continue spreading the good news,” Preston said, his admiration for McElroy palpable. “That is the mission.”
How has Reverend McElroy’s leadership of the Harvest Gospel Choir impacted the community and its members, according to her own reflections?
## Passing the Baton: A Conversation with Reverend Maryanne McElroy
**Interviewer:** Reverend McElroy, for nearly forty years, the Harvest Gospel Concert Series has been a beloved holiday tradition. What motivated you to start it all those years ago?
**Reverend McElroy:** [[1](https://events.longisland.com/28th-annual-harvest-gospel-concert-series.html)]. Music has always been a powerful force in my life, a way to connect with people and share the joy of the season. I felt it was important to create a space where people from all walks of life could come together and experience the uplifting power of gospel music.
**Interviewer:** And the series has certainly flourished, attracting large crowds year after year. What has been the most rewarding aspect of leading the Harvest Gospel Choir?
**Reverend McElroy:** Seeing the transformation in individuals as they discover their voice and become part of something bigger than themselves. These concerts aren’t just about performance; they’re about community, about bringing people together in a spirit of love and unity.
**Interviewer:** This year, you’re handing the baton to a new music director, Byron Preston. What advice would you give him as he steps into this role?
**Reverend McElroy:** Embrace the heart of the series. This isn’t just about technical perfection; it’s about sharing the joy and the spirit of the season through music that touches the soul.
Let the music continue to be a beacon of unity and hope for our community.
