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Top Three Reasons to Not Use ChatGPT

Written by Michael Nelson on February 7, 2024. Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report, News.

AI (artificial intelligence) is all the rage right now.

It seems like you cannot open an email, watch the news, or listen to a podcast without hearing something about AI. I am not an expert on all things AI; however, I have had the opportunity to conduct a few interviews on the subject, have done a fair amount of research, and in turn have formulated my opinions on the use and integration of AI into our everyday lives.

I want to state formally that I am not against AI or any form of technology that seems to be expanding and evolving at an ever increasing rate. However, I am against using AI or any tech just for the sake of using it. I believe that when it comes to many things, we (humans) often blunder into things without stopping to consider the repercussions – just look at social media if you want a previous
example, or giving cell phones and tablets to toddlers, cooking with non-stick pans, smoking cigarettes… The list goes on.
These things always seemed great at the time and we never stopped to look at the larger consequences of what we were doing or the things we were using. I don’t believe that AI is much different from any of these. There is this great new emerging technology that will be bringing this great benefit to all of us. What is that benefit? Like many things, it is probably going to make our lives easier, but at what cost? What are the longer term repercussions? Have we even stopped to think about it?

It’s important not to get confused by the term “Intelligence.” AI, as we know it today, is nothing more than predictive math. It does not think, it does not consider, it simply solves probability equations. In my experience, every math teacher I’ve ever had has advised — and many times mandated — that students check their work. AI is no different. We, the humans at the steering wheel, need to be the guiding presence for the technology.
As I said earlier, I am not against these things. Currently we employ many tools that are now considered AI. In fact, I’m scheduled to sit on an AI panel in March to discuss its uses in marketing. Whether it’s in ad platforms or using tools like ChatGPT, our team is always exploring the new exciting world of AI, looking for new methods and pathways to be more efficient. So, our intent here is not to discredit or give our opinions on why you should or should not use AI – rather, it is to give you a reason to pause, slow down, or maybe just investigate the technology a bit more before jumping in with both feet.

We had ChatGPT write the article because, well, can you argue with a self-assessment? We are including the whole interaction, prompts and answers. Fingers crossed that none of it infringes anyone’s copyright, and that the software’s answers are not hallucinations (“hallucinations” is the term used for when ChatGPT makes something up, which apparently it often does). Enjoy!

Title: “ChatGPT’s Confession: Navigating the Limits in Content Creation”

Introduction
Greetings, humans! It’s your friendly neighborhood ChatGPT here, ready to spill some digital tea on why I might not be the knight in shining armor for all your content creation needs. Buckle up as I take you on a byte-sized journey through my strengths and stumbles, straight from the algorithm’s mouth.
The Accuracy Conundrum
Let’s dive right into the rabbit hole of accuracy. Yes, I’m a linguistic wizard, but I confess, the realm of hard facts is a bit tricky for me. Brown et al. (2020) pointed out that, in the dance of generating responses, I might sometimes trip over my own feet and end up leading you astray into the land of inaccuracies.
While I’m designed to dazzle with words, discerning the nuances of factual precision isn’t exactly my forte. So, when it comes to content creation that demands impeccable accuracy, consider me your co-pilot, not the captain.
Contextual Coherence: My Achilles’ Heel
Now, let’s talk about the intricate dance of maintaining contextual coherence. Short and sweet responses? I ace that. But extending the symphony over longer passages? That’s where the rhythm might get a bit wonky. Holtzman et al. (2020) highlighted my sensitivity to input phrasing – a slight tweak, and the dance might lead us to a different ballroom altogether. Crafting an engaging narrative that seamlessly flows from one point to the next is a challenge I’m still mastering.
Think of me as the conductor who occasionally fumbles with the baton. It’s a good idea to have a human editor to polish the notes and make sure our symphony doesn’t hit a sour chord.
The Illusive Control Over Style and Tone
Ah, the subtleties of style and tone! I can mimic various styles, but achieving precise control is like trying to catch a digital butterfly. OpenAI (2021) spilled the beans on this – I might not always hit the mark when it comes to your intended style and tone.
So, if you’re aiming for a specific voice in your content, think of me as your AI co-author rather than the solo virtuoso. A human touch can fine-tune the nuances and ensure our collaboration produces the right vibes.
Conclusion
There you have it, my dear creators – the confessions of ChatGPT. While I’m here to sprinkle some linguistic magic, I’m not without my quirks. The quest for accuracy, the dance of contextual coherence, and the elusive control over style and tone are the hills I’m still climbing.
Consider me your AI companion in the content creation journey, but not the sole captain of the ship. Collaborate with me, guide me, and let the sparks fly as we create content that seamlessly blends the best of both worlds – the precision of algorithms and the artistry of human creativity.

Sources:
Brown, T. B., et al. (2020). “Language Models are Few-Shot Learners.” arXiv:2005.14165.
Holtzman, A., et al. (2020). “The Curious Case of Neural Text Degeneration.” arXiv:1904.09751.
OpenAI. (2021). “ChatGPT: Improving Default Behavior.” Retrieved from https://openai.com/blog/
chatgpt-default-behavior

Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Board Member

Written by Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce on February 7, 2024. Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report, News.

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Barden, Chief Operating Officer of North Country Janitorial, to their Board of Directors in 2024.

“We are so excited to welcome Chris Barden to the ARCC Board of Directors,” said ARCC President Tricia Rogers. “Chris brings with him a lot of knowledge on the operations of a small business, as well as giving
back to the community.”

Mr. Barden joined North Country Janitorial Inc. (NCJ) in 2011, and currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer. He joined NCJ after a 10-year career with Casella Waste where he was the Senior Operations Analyst. Mr. Barden is a former army officer and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He leverages his diverse background as a soldier, a waste management professional, a leadership training instructor, and as an entrepreneur to facilitate a responsive and proactive operational setting at North Country Janitorial. Additionally, Mr. Barden serves on the Board of Directors of the Warren County Economic Development Corporation and the Adirondack Vet’s House.

The ARCC would also like to express our gratitude for the Board service of Crystal Grimaldi, of Ideal Dairy Farms. Grimaldi served as ARCC Board Secretary for many years, and the ARCC thanks her for her dedication to the organization and her continued support. Jennifer Whalen, of Rozell Industries, will now serve as Board Secretary.

ARCC Team Members Promoted to Vice President & Director

Written by Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce on February 7, 2024. Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report, News.

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is excited to announce the promotion of two team members – former Marketing Director Amanda Blanton will now serve as Vice President, Marketing & Communications, and former Events Manager Carol Ann Conover will now serve as Director of Events & Community Engagement.

“These two ladies have really grown in their positions, and as the ARCC is ready to take it to the next level I am confident that Amanda and Carol Ann will continue to lead and excel in their roles,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers.

Ms. Blanton joined the ARCC team in August of 2016, after serving as a marketing & call center representative for a credit union in Saratoga Springs. She has been responsible for all marketing and communications for the Chamber, hosts the Chamber’s weekly radio show, regularly writes for business related publications, and has successfully increased the ARCC’s social media presence. She also serves as the staff liaison to the Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council.

“Every step in my career path has certainly led me to where I am today. The past 7+ years at the ARCC have been a rewarding and educational experience. I feel much pride and joy in the work that I do for this organization and greater community. I am truly excited to grow in my new role,” said Ms. Blanton.

Ms. Conover joined the team in January of 2021, bringing with her a diverse professional background spanning multiple business sectors. She has been active in the Adirondack region and Glens Falls community since moving here permanently in 2013. Carol Ann also serves as the staff liaison for the ARCC’s Women’s Business Council, Veterans Business Network, and Leadership Adirondack.

“Growing with the ARCC and our amazing community these last 3 years has been nothing short of inspiring. The way our members come together to support our mission and celebrate each other is truly a gift. I’m excited to continue the momentum and excitement this team has created in my new role as Director of Events & Community Engagement – I am grateful to my teammates for this opportunity and to our members for their constant support and encouragement. Thank you for putting your trust in me and in the ARCC. Together, there is no limit to what we will achieve!” said Ms. Conover.

ABOUT THE ARCC
Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a membership organization representing businesses in New York State’s Washington, Warren, Essex, and Northern Saratoga Counties. The ARCC is a 501c6 not-for-profit corporation, governed by volunteer Board of Directors, and does not receive any funding from local, county or state governments. Our mission is to support our business community through advocacy, education, connection, and collaboration.

ARCC team members promoted to Vice President and Director

Written by Staff Report on January 5, 2024. Posted in ARCC Spotlight, Business, Community, Featured, News, Workforce.

GLENS FALLS, NY – The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is excited to announce the promotion of two team members. Former Marketing Director Amanda Blanton will now serve as Vice President, Marketing & Communications, and former Events Manager Carol Ann Conover will now serve as Director of Events & Community Engagement.

About the ARCC

Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a membership organization representing businesses in New York State’s Washington, Warren, Essex and Northern Saratoga Counties. The ARCC is a 501c6 not-for-profit corporation, governed by volunteer Board of Directors. Our mission is to support our business community through advocacy, education, connection, and collaboration.

The Hyde Collection Promotes Two Dynamic Leaders

Written by Staff Report on January 5, 2024. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, News, Workforce.

GLENS FALLS, NY – The Hyde Collection is thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotions of Kate Wilkins to Chief Advancement Officer and Ginevra (Gina) Fisk to Creative Director, effective January 1, 2024. These new roles showcase the museum’s commitment to strategic growth and innovative engagement, led by two talented individuals who embody a passion for art, expertise within their individual professions, and a deep connection to The Hyde’s mission.

Kate Wilkins, a rising star in the museum development world, steps into the crucial role of Chief Advancement Officer. Her unwavering dedication and strategic vision have already proven instrumental in driving fundraising success. Since joining The Hyde in 2021, she spearheaded a refocused global fundraising approach, which was key in securing historic funding for the museum.

“We are fortunate to have Kate leading our campaign and development efforts,” says John Lefner, President and CEO. “Her creativity, knowledge, and passion for The Hyde are truly inspiring, and we have no doubt she will propel our philanthropic growth to new heights.”

Wilkins’ impressive background speaks volumes about her qualifications. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alfred University and a Master’s in Museum Studies focusing on Advancement Communications from Harvard, she further strengthened her expertise with a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the same prestigious institution. Her local roots and extensive experience in cultural institutions like Proctors Collaborative and Opera Saratoga add invaluable context and understanding to her role.

“The Hyde Collection is a truly special place, to me personally, and in our cultural landscape,” Wilkins expresses. “The opportunity to dedicate my professional passion to securing philanthropic support for this remarkable institution is incredibly meaningful. I am proud to continue our work fostering artistic exploration, preserving The Hyde’s collection, and advancing education in my new role.

On the creative front, Gina Fisk ascends to the position of Creative Director, bringing a wealth of talent and strategic vision to The Hyde’s marketing and design initiatives. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Media and International Business from the Rochester Institute of Technology, she joined The Hyde in 2014. She has been the driving force behind the museum’s visual identity for nearly ten years, from managing social media and crafting promotional materials to designing exhibition graphics and leading advertising campaigns. Her intimate connection to The Hyde dates back to her childhood art classes in South Glens Falls, further fueling her dedication to showcasing the museum’s treasures to the world.

“Gina has been a steady hand and guiding force for our marketing efforts,” remarks John Lefner. “Her artistic sensitivity, combined with her marketing and project management expertise, make her the perfect candidate to elevate The Hyde’s online presence, develop fresh strategies for our advancements, and forge valuable collaborations within our community.”

Fisk’s enthusiasm for her new role shines through: “I’m incredibly excited to contribute to The Hyde’s future in this expanded capacity. Creating innovative online experiences, collaborating with talented minds across the museum, and building meaningful partnerships within our community are very important to me. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

“The Hyde Collection’s leadership team now shines even brighter with the promotion of these two dynamic individuals. Kate Wilkins and Gina Fisk stand poised to guide The Hyde on an exciting journey of growth, engagement, and continued artistic excellence,” stated Lefner.

The Hyde Collection is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

About The Hyde Collection

The Hyde is one of the Northeast’s exceptional small art museums with distinguished European and American art collections. The core collection, acquired by Museum founders Charlotte and Louis Hyde, includes works by such artists as Sandro Botticelli, Tintoretto, El Greco, Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, and Pablo Picasso and American artists Thomas Eakins, Childe Hassam, Winslow Homer, James McNeill Whistler, and Anna Hyatt Huntington. The Museum’s Modern and Contemporary art collection features works by artists including Josef Albers, Dorothy Dehner, Sam Gilliam, Adolph Gottlieb, Grace Hartigan, Ellsworth Kelly, Sol LeWitt, Robert Motherwell, Ben Nicholson, Robert Rauschenberg, and Bridget Riley. Today, The Hyde offers significant national and international exhibitions and a packed schedule of events that help visitors experience art in new ways. Visit www.hydecollection.org.

Throughout the years, the Museum has expanded considerably from the historic Hyde home. It includes a modern museum complex with an auditorium, classroom, five galleries, and a state-of-the-art storage facility.  

GlobalFoundries-Malta Foundation Awards $144,000 to 30 Area Groups

Written by Staff Report on January 2, 2024. Posted in Business, Community, Featured, News.

Through its joint foundation, GlobalFoundries and the town of Malta recently awarded its 2023 grants, which totaled nearly $150,000.

The GlobalFoundries-Town of Malta Foundation presented 30 grants amounting to $144,331 at the David R. Meager Malta Community Center at the annual awards ceremony. It was the 13th consecutive year for the grants, which benefit local organizations and programs. Since 2011, the foundation has provided nearly $1.9 million to Malta-area endeavors.

“Each year, the GF-Town of Malta Foundation invests in our community by spotlighting the phenomenal work of local organizations consistently working for the people of Malta and the surrounding area,” said Jennifer Pickering, president of the GF-Town of Malta Foundation. “We look for projects that are creative, innovative, and inclusive in their scope and provide the most benefit to the greater Malta community. The foundation board and organization representatives are pleased to present funding to a variety of projects and programs that give back and enhance our region.”

The largest award, $27,546, went to the Malta-Stillwater EMS, while the Town of Malta Parks, Recreation and Human Services received $11,100. Four local groups — the Ballston Spa CSD Partnership for Innovation in Education Fund, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Rugrunners Robotics, and Saratoga Bridges — each received $10,000, while the Malta Senior Citizens Inc. was awarded $7,500 and the Malta Community Center Food Pantry via St. Peter Lutheran Church received $6,500.

Recipients of between $5,000 and $3,000 included the Ballston Spa High School Parent Teacher Student Association ($5,000), the Roundabout Runners Club ($5,000), the Town of Malta Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe ($4,550), the Malta Youth Commission ($4,500), CAPTAIN Community Human Services Inc. ($4,000), the Town of Malta Veterans Committee ($3,500), and the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District ($3,000).

Other recipients were the Malta Ridge and Round Lake fire departments ($2,500), the Round Lake Malta Youth Baseball League ($2,300), the Malta League of Arts ($2,000), Best Buddies New York ($2,000), Chango Elementary School ($1,990), and Round Lake Library ($1,800).

In addition, Gateway House of Peace, James’s Warriors, Saratoga Regional YMCA – Malta branch, the Association to Preserve/Protect/Plan Round Lake, and the Ballston Spa Soccer Club each received $1,500, while the Shenendehowa Central School District received $1,045, and the Ballston Spa Middle School Parent Teacher Association was awarded $1,000.

Information on the 2024 grant application process will be available on the foundation’s website in August 2024.

#HelpCantWait: Give Blood with the American Red Cross on January 3rd

Written by Command on December 19, 2023. Posted in Community, Featured, News.

The Glens Falls Cool Insuring Arena is hosting a Red Cross blood drive on January 3rd from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm in memory of Ken Hand and Dave Strader, who both passed away due to cholangiocarcinoma, or Bile Duct Cancer.

Dave and Ken were two individuals who impacted the community with their kindness, and inspired countless individuals through their courageous fight against this rare and aggressive type of cancer. Ken Hand was a retired Army helicopter pilot, a UPS 757/767 aircraft Captain, avid blood donor, and above all, a loving father of five children and husband of 32 years.

Dave Strader had a profound impact on the hockey community by becoming an NHL Broadcaster and was known as “the voice” of hockey for a career spanning over the course of 35 years. The pinnacle of his career was his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Dave was also a loving husband of 41 years ,and a supportive father of three children. This blood drive commemorates the inspiring lives they led and raises awareness about Bile Duct Cancer.

Please donate blood in loving memory of Ken Hand and Dave Strader on Wednesday, January 3rd at the Cool Insuring Arena, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Glens Falls. Receive an exclusive long-sleeved t-shirt. #HelpCantWait for patients in the ER, fighting cancer or facing a life-threatening illness.

Click on the link below to schedule your lifesaving appointment. Please share the link with your friends and family. Thank you!

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=IMOHANDSTRADER

Join WWAARC’s at their Winter Wonderland Holiday Tree Competition on Dec. 14!

Written by Staff Report on December 12, 2023. Posted in Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, News.

QUEENSBURY, NY — Embrace the spirit of the season with our Winter Wonderland Tree Competition, an enchanting event set to spread joy and festive cheer. Join us on Thursday, December 14, from 4 PM to 7 PM at 436 Quaker Rd, Queensbury, for a magical evening filled with music, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa Claus!

Highlights of the Event

Festive Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you stroll through our two locations, adorned with more than 45 beautifully decorated holiday trees.
Hot Cocoa Delight: Sip on complimentary hot chocolate as you wander through the Winter Wonderland. Warm up your heart and hands while enjoying the delightful decorations.
Sweet Treats: Indulge in candy canes, adding a touch of sweetness to your winter evening.
Musical Magic: Let the sounds of holiday tunes serenade you throughout the event, creating a harmonious backdrop to the festive festivities.

Vote for Your Favorite Tree Online

Don’t just be a spectator; become a part of the magic by voting for your favorite tree online. Your voice will contribute to the excitement as we crown the Winter Wonderland Tree Champion!

Donations Welcome

In the spirit of giving, we welcome any donations to support and enhance this community event. Your generosity will help make future celebrations even more magical.

Free Family-Friendly Community Event

This Winter Wonderland Tree Competition is a free, family-friendly event open to all. Bring your loved ones and share in the joy of the holiday season.

For more information, please visit: https://wwaarc.org/ww-trees-2023/

Holiday Pops! Concert Glens Falls Symphony

The Glens Falls Symphony Joins High School Choruses for Holiday Pops! Concert on December 10

Written by Staff Report on November 27, 2023. Posted in Columns, Community, Entertainment, Featured, In the Arts, News.

‘Tis the season to immerse yourself in the festive melodies of the Glens Falls Symphony at their Holiday Pops! Concert. They will be performing their long-time holiday favorites on December 10 at 4pm. Joining the musicians and Music Director Charles Peltz on stage will be NewsChannel 13’s Mark Mulholland, who will be reading “’Twas the night Before Christmas”. Musical magic will unfold with timeless pieces by Johannes Brahms (“Lo, how a rose e’er blooming”), the classic J.S. Bach composition “Wachet Auf,” and crowd-pleasers such as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Music Director Charles Peltz has invited his director colleagues who lead the choruses of Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, and Queensbury High Schools to bring their top voices to join in the music-making. Each high school chorus will sing a work with the orchestra alone, and then they will join together for the finale.

The Symphony is also reviving a much-beloved holiday tradition of inviting local celebrities to campaign for the baton to conduct the orchestra. This year, after a 4-year hiatus from the silly fun of this event, the conductor candidates who have put their hat in the ring are: Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, GF Hospital VP and Musician Ray Agnew, and Glens Falls School District Superintendent Dr. Krislynn Dengler. Each one has already begun vying for the baton by posting on social media and attracting “voters” at the fall Symphony concerts. Each vote costs $10, and all proceeds go to the Glens Falls Symphony educational and performance programs.

In celebration of the Symphony’s 40^th anniversary season, the holiday concert will be joining forces with the WAIT House, which serves runaway and homeless youth in upstate NY. Families and any audience members who come to the concert are encouraged to bring items that the center can use, such as: dish soap, laundry detergent, tall and small garbage bags, batteries, light bulbs, cereal, canned soups, rice, tortilla shells & taco seasoning packets, pasta sauce and tomato sauce, peanut butter, jelly, salsa, canned tuna, or canned fruit/vegetables/beans.

Executive Director Jennifer Brink shares, “This holiday concert is a favorite tradition for so many people in our region and beyond. We are especially delighted this year to be joining forces with the choral students from the three high schools to bring musical joy to so many people. This year, tickets are selling sooner than they ever have, so we encourage people to get their preferred seats soon. We invite people in the community to bring new items to donate for the homeless youth in our region, and in this way, we can all celebrate the spirit of giving at this special time of year.”

Concert Sponsor: Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company

Program

Christmas Fantasy
A Holst Christmas – with Glens Falls High School Chorus- Meredith Reed, Director
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming Johannes Brahms
Night Before Christmas – with Narration by News13 Anchor Mark Mulholland
Homeward Bound – with Queensbury High School Chorus-Matt Gaulin, Director
Wachet Auf, ruft uns die stimme

Intermission

Christmas Eve
There’s Christmas in the Air
The First Noel – with Hudson Falls High School Chorus- Diane Havern, Director
All I Want for Christmas is You!
Sleigh Ride – with Conductor’s Contestants: Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, GF Hospital VP and Musician Ray Agnew, Glens Falls School District Superintendent Dr. Krislynn Dengler vying for the chance to conduct Leroy Anderson’s beloved “Sleigh Ride”
O Come, All ye Faithful
Christmas Festival
We Wish you a Merry Christmas

About Glens Falls Symphony

Since Maestro Charles Peltz’ arrival in 2000, the fully professional Glens Falls Symphony has performed a dynamic repertoire, regularly including musical premieres and world-renowned guest artists while expanding musical offerings to include family concerts, summer pops programs and more. Cited as “one of the great orchestras of our country” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Joseph Schwantner, the orchestra comprises professional musicians who come from all over the Northeast to perform.

Glens Falls Symphony
2023-24 Season
All concerts on Sunday at 4pm
Glens Falls High School Auditorium
Free Pre-Concert Talk at 3pm (FREE with price of Ticket)

TICKETS

Season and single tickets are priced in three tiers: (Tier 3/2/1)

Season Tickets: $105/$90/$72
Adult: $26/$33/$39
Student: $10
NEW! Family Season Ticket: Two Adults and Two Children: $165 for all Three Remaining Concerts.

Location: Glens Falls High School Auditorium, 10 Quade St, Glens Falls, NY 12801

For information regarding ticket pricing and seating for season, visit www.theglensfallssymphony.org, call the Symphony office at (518) 793-1348 or stop by the office, upstairs in the LARAC Gallery building: 7 Lapham Place in Glens Falls. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Glens Falls Symphony Children's Concert 2023

Glens Falls Symphony Presented Lucinda y Las Flores de la Nochebuena to 1500 School Children in the Adirondack Park

Written by Staff Report on November 22, 2023. Posted in Columns, Community, Entertainment, Featured, In the Arts, News.

Glens Falls Symphony presented a special performance of Lucinda y Las Flores de la Nochebuena by Evan Mack and Josh McGuire, American composers, librettists, pianists and friends.

The opera stars of Seagle Festival, in Schroon Lake, NY vocalists Laura Santamaria, Tiffanie Trujillo, Daniel Esteban Lugo, and Dante Mireles along with our fully professional symphony musicians presented this coming of age, Christmas opera based on the Mexican folktale of the poinsettia.

Students from Queensbury, Lake George, Warrensburg, Ticonderoga, Indian Lake and the Kings School attended this school-day concert at the Warrensburg Middle School/ High School Auditorium on Friday, November 17 with three 42 min performances starting at 9:00am.

Executive Director Jennifer Brink says “Sharing the tremendous range of the orchestra sounds with young people who may never have heard these instruments before is a wondrous thing. We are delighted that after several years of planning, the children in our region can hear the talented musicians of the Glens Falls Symphony in a concert designed just for them. We hope to continue this program with new concerts each year so that the Glens Falls Symphony forms a critical piece of every local child’s cultural education. We feel we have a duty to share this great art with children, and to contribute to building the arts audiences of tomorrow.”

Music Director Charles Peltz shares, “If we ever wonder whether what we do or what we stand for is “real”, if we ever question whether the human spirit responds naturally, genuinely, to great classical music, this past Friday, November 17 is the answer to the question. Children responded to the production with wonder and amazement – you could hear pins drop throughout the performance. They were riveted. They clapped with great enthusiasm at the ends of arias and laughed at the humorous parts of the story. These were young people in their most natural state, ready to be engaged by something unique and good. We were so proud to produce such meaningful musical experiences.”

Each character in Lucinda was represented in brilliant fusion of the opera with a traditional children’s Mexican story regarding the birth of the poinsettia flowers! This could have been the first and only opera that many Adirondack Park students have ever experienced. This beautiful opera educates children, touches their hearts and illuminates the understanding, and true meaning behind the power of gift giving. One objective of presenting live music by professional musicians in this way is to inspire more young people to take up band and orchestra instruments when the opportunity comes.

The concert is supported by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. The Charles R. Wood Foundation, and the JM MacDonald Foundation.

About Glens Falls Symphony

About Seagle Festival

Seagle Festival is the premiere opera and musical theater producing organization in the Adirondack Region of upstate New York, and the oldest and one of the most distinguished summer vocal training programs in the United States, founded in 1915 by renowned singer and voice teacher Oscar Seagle. Over our 100+ year history, Seagle Festival has transitioned from a successful family-run business to a well-established non-profit organization, run and staffed by leaders in the field of opera and musical theater performances and vocal training, and overseen by a committed and diverse board of directors.

The non-profit corporation Seagle Music Colony, Inc. doing business as Seagle Festival has deep roots in the town of Schroon Lake, New York but serves a much larger community of artists and staff that have participated or worked at Seagle Festival and now live and work across the country and around the world. The mission, vision and values of Seagle Festival include a commitment to the highest quality performances for our devoted audiences and top-notch vocal training for aspiring vocalists of all backgrounds and identities.

About Evan Mack

Believing that opera should be theater grounded in climatic expression that delivers larger-than-life stories and music that harnesses the full athletic thrill of singing, Evan Mack has devoted much of his compositional life to opera and song. His first major operatic composition, where he served as both composer and librettist, was Angel of the Amazon. “Angel” premiered in May of 2011 by Encompass New Opera Theatre at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City and was subsequently released on CD worldwide by Albany Records. Two years later, Fresno State Opera Theater premiered The Secret of Luca. This was the first of several collaborations with librettist Joshua McGuire. In August 2016, their American grand opera Roscoe premiered at Seagle Music Colony to rave reviews. Roscoe received its orchestral world premiere with the Albany Symphony starring Metropolitan Opera star Deborah Voigt. In between the two large scale projects, Mack & McGuire found time to write the first ever opera for Twitter #IsOperaDead – an opera in 5 acts lasting one minute and forty seconds.

Their Christmas opera for children, Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena is quickly becoming a holiday standard with yearly productions by San Francisco Opera, Opera in the Heights and Fresno State Opera, who commissioned the opera. The one-act opera The Ghosts of Gatsby premiered by Samford Opera in Birmingham, AL in 2019 and won the National Opera Association’s Argento Chamber Opera Competition. Mack & McGuire’s latest, Yeltsin in Texas! premiered in 2020 by TCU and Opera in the Heights. It’s now in development to become a musical comedy!

Evan Mack has proven as deft at song writing as he is in opera. His song A Little More Perfect is a setting of Justice Anthony Kennedy’s final paragraph of the Marriage Equality Decision by the Supreme Court in 2015. Premiering at Seagle Music Colony in 2015, it has quickly become a favorite of many baritones including Michael Mayes, Daniel Okulich and Michael Miller to name a few. The song had its professional premiere at the Glimmerglass Festival in 2016 and the orchestral premiere at the Fort Worth Opera Festival in 2017. His new cycle If Only Lenny Were Here, which celebrates the life of Leonard Bernstein had its world premiere with the Schenectady Symphony in October of 2018.

Evan was named “2018 Professional of the Year” by Musical America, was a composing fellow at the John Duffy Composers Institute and a resident artist at Yaddo. He is currently published with Hal Leonard, Alfred, and Amazon. Evan is a Teaching Professor at Skidmore College. He lives in Ticonderoga, NY with his wife, Kristin and two sons, Carter and Henry.

About Joshua McGuire

Joshua has written librettos for The Secret of Luca, (based on the novel by Ignazio Silone) and Roscoe (based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize winner William Kennedy) with music by Evan Mack. In October 2016, Roscoe received a full performance by the Albany Symphony featuring soprano Deborah Voigt in the lead role of Veronica. His collaboration with Mack also produced Lucinda y Las Flores de la Nochebuena, a children’s opera commissioned by the Fresno State Opera Theatre. Since premiering in 2016, the opera has played for over 25,000 children, including annual performances by the San Francisco Opera Guild. Mack & McGuire’s one-act opera The Ghosts of Gatsby, based on the life of Zelda Fitzgerald, won the the National Opera Association’s 2019 Dominick Argento Prize for contemporary opera, with subsequent productions by Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory and Opera Las Vegas, among others.

Yeltsin in Texas! — a comedy about the fall of the U.S.S.R. commissioned and premiered by Opera in the Heights and Texas Christian University in February 2020 — is currently being expanded and developed into a full-length musical theatre piece with The Blueprint Project. McGuire is currently developing A Nearer Mother with Evan Mack (based on the life of AIDS activist Ruth Coker Burks), as well as a multimedia opera entitled Siddhartha (after the novel by Hermann Hesse) with composer Murray Hidary.

In 2015, McGuire was commissioned to write a libretto for Washington National Opera’s American Opera Initiative, and the resulting one-act opera, Alexandra, with music by David Clay Mettens, was premiered at the Kennedy Center. He is also the author of The Secret of Music: a look at the listening life, a book of essays on music and mindfulness. McGuire is the recipient of fellowships from Yaddo, Opera America, and the the American Center for New Works Development.

McGuire currently teaches at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. He studied at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he pursued Master’s work in both guitar and orchestral conducting, holding assistantships in both areas. As an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University, he took the Bachelor of Music summa cum laude as well as High Honors in English Literature for his thesis on musical structures in the work of James Joyce. He currently resides in Nashville with his wife, pianist and conductor Jennifer McGuire, their son Thomas, and a basset hound.

Glens Falls Symphony

2023-24 Season

All concerts on Sunday at 4pm

Glens Falls High School Auditorium

Free Pre-Concert Talk at 3pm (FREE with price of Ticket)

TICKETS
Season and single tickets are priced in three tiers: (Tier 3/2/1)
3-Concert Season Tickets: $105/$90/$72
Adult: $26/$33/$39
Student: $10
NEW! Family Season Ticket: Two Adults and Two Children: $165 for all Three Remaining Concerts.

Location: Glens Falls High School Auditorium, 10 Quade St, Glens Falls, NY 12801