Mar 01
Loren Chamberlain - In Memoriam
Loren Chamberlain, of Phoenix, died February 28, 2004. He was born and raised in Phoenix and studied music at NAU. He was a gifted musician who shared his talents throughout the valley for over 35 years. Loren was well known and respected in the theater community and was working at Fountain Hills Community Theater and Copperstate Dinner Theater at the time of his death. He was also the choir director and organist at Foothills Christian Church. His ‘day job’ was in the IRTS department at PV Community College. Loren was a kind and generous man whose passion for music infected all who worked with him. No words can express the sorrow of his family and friends that he left behind. He is survived by his wife Cate; his sister Judie; many nieces and nephews and more friends than can be counted. A celebration of his life will be held at 5pm on Sunday, March 7th at Shadow Rock Congregational Church, 12861 North 8th Avenue, Phoenix. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to: Hospice of the Valley, 3238 N 16th St., Phoenix AZ 85016 or The American Liver Foundation, Arizona Chapter, 4545 E Shea Blvd, Suite 164, Phx AZ 85028.
So, without further ado, here are the 18th annual Maxie Awards, chosen from 267 musicals and plays staged in the Valley between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2002.
BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION
Loren Chamberlain, ‘‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,’’ Copperstate Dinner Theater It’s relatively easy getting a great sound from a pit full of musicians, but pitching and pacing a song packed show with no more than an electronic keyboard takes real talent. Chamberlain pulls it off, adding musical muscle to a tiny but clever show.
2001 - 2002 AriZoni Theatre Awards - Original Music Composition
Fountain Hills Community Theater - The Three Musketeers
Loren Chamberlain & Peter J. Hill
March 4th, 2004 at 12:00 am
On behalf of The Copperstate Dinner Theater, it’s with the saddest heart that I write to tell you about the death of my collaborator and my friend, musical director and pianist, Loren Chamberlain. Loren touched all our lives and was one of the most talented and generous people it has even been my privilege to know. Our collaborations reach back many years and included wonderful shows, some of which, I’m sure, you were a part. The hole in our lives and in my heart left by the passing of this wonderful musician and kind friend will never be filled. When more information regarding services is available, I will let you know. In the meantime, give thanks that you knew him and give some kind thoughts about our friend, Loren.
March 5th, 2004 at 12:00 am
Loren will always have a special place in my heart. I first met him at my first-ever audition, at Fountain Hills Community Theater, in February 2002. I remember him from my second audition too: I was so scared that the sheet music trembled in my hand. He said simply, with a smirk, “Relax, I’m not going to bite.” That quip went a long way in putting me at ease, and went even further to show the sort of genuinely kind-hearted man he was. Loren was the musical director for my first two shows, and I worked with him especially closely on the second. He guided me through the difficult music, always making me feel up to the challenge. One of my favorite memories of Loren was from the 2002 ariZoni Awards. He won for best Original Music Composition for “The Three Musketeers,” and I remember he got choked up during his acceptance speech; it was wonderful to see him so touched, and to be recognized for his talent and years of dedication in front of so many of his peers. I always felt welcome around Loren. I’m sure I’m not alone by saying he’ll be missed.
March 6th, 2004 at 12:00 am
I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we’ll be safe
I pray we’ll find your light
And hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night
Let this be our prayer
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.
We ask that life be kind
And watch us from above
We hope each soul will find
Another soul to love
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe
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Sleep well my love
Published in the Arizona Republic Guest Book on 3/6/2004 by Cate Chamberlain.