Upscale Singers Celebrate 20 Years

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Upscale Singers

Director Margaret Miner and accompanist Bill Moore bring decades of musical experience to the Upscale Singers. Miner, who holds music degrees from the University of Southern California and has performed throughout the western United States, also teaches voice and directs several other local choirs. Moore, a Valley native and longtime organist at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, has played piano and keyboards locally for more than 40 years.

When the curtain rises on the Upscale Singers’ 20th anniversary spring concert this April, it will showcase more than just beloved Broadway tunes — it will celebrate two decades of harmonious community building that has touched thousands of lives across the Valley.

“What started as the vision of just a few people has grown into a cherished community tradition,” says Margaret Miner, director of Upscale Singers. “Many of our current members have been with us for a remarkably long time — 20 singers have been performing with us for 10 to 20 years.”

This musical fellowship has grown from its intimate beginnings of 20 performers in cozy dinner theater venues to today’s robust ensemble of 45 voices. The early years saw performances in unique settings like Desert Mountain Golf Club and the Satisfied Frog’s outdoor stage, where limited space created both challenges and opportunities.

“While these cozy venues created some challenges — limited stage space for choreography and rather creative solutions for dressing rooms — they helped forge us into a close-knit family of singers,” Miner recalls.

That intimate atmosphere helped shape the group’s character during its formative years. Now, with access to larger venues, such as Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, the ensemble has grown to 45 singers while maintaining that same tight-knit family atmosphere.

The upcoming anniversary performance promises to be a celebration of both nostalgia and artistic excellence. To honor their dedicated long-term members, these veterans helped select their favorite pieces from past shows for the program.

The selections feature Broadway classics including “Wicked,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and several Stephen Sondheim masterpieces, alongside popular hits from “Mamma Mia,” “Grease” and “Jersey Boys.” A violinist will accompany the “Fiddler on the Roof” medley, while Peter Strupp, who has been integral to the group’s theatrical productions over the years, returns as host to guide audiences through the evening with dramatic flair.

The production’s commitment to excellence extends to every detail of the performance.

“Every note will be performed entirely from memory,” Miner proudly notes. “No sheet music, no lyric books — just pure musical artistry on display.”

Sophisticated lighting will create unique atmospheres for each musical section, complemented by multiple costume changes throughout the show. Yet beyond the technical excellence and theatrical flair, the group’s true legacy lies in its dedication to nurturing the next generation of vocal talent.

Over their 20-year history, they’ve awarded more than 270 scholarships for private voice lessons and provided over 50 grants to choir teachers, impacting more than 4,500 young singers. Their commitment to youth development has also included substantial support for the Arizona Magic of Music and Dance program and contributions totaling $21,878 in special grants supporting youth and music programs.

The Upscale Kids, a youth performance group, regularly joins the ensemble onstage, making every concert a multigenerational celebration.

“Each concert, we feature two of our scholarship winners in the show,” Miner explains. “It’s a wonderful showcase for these young performers, giving them the opportunity to share their talent with nearly 800 audience members. It also allows our audiences to see their donations at work.”

This commitment to community extends to the group’s membership as well. The ensemble’s diversity mirrors the community it serves, with members ranging in age from 17 to 89. Their backgrounds are equally varied — from former Broadway performers and nightclub entertainers to doctors, attorneys and animal rescue workers.

This rich tapestry of experiences and talents has contributed to the group’s ability to tackle increasingly complex musical arrangements over the years, particularly evident in their Christmas repertoire featuring works by renowned composers such as John Rutter, John Leavitt and Dan Forrest.

The group’s resilient spirit has carried them through challenges, including the recent pandemic.

“Because choirs were identified as high risk for virus transmission, we couldn’t safely rehearse or perform in person,” Miner shares. “But being such a close-knit group, we were determined not to lose our connections with each other or our audience.”

Their innovative response included producing music videos using previous studio recordings, allowing members to participate through lip-syncing while maintaining social distancing. This adaptability and determination exemplify the group’s enduring commitment to their art and community.

For the upcoming anniversary celebration, Upscale Singers alumni from across the country will return to join current members for the finale, “Thank You for the Music.” It’s a fitting tribute to an organization that has given so much to the community through the universal language of song.

As the group looks toward the future, its vision remains clear.

“We want to continue growing and improving as we look forward to the next 20 years,” Miner explains. “To achieve that vision, we need to bring in a new generation of singers who are ready to take Upscale Singers to the next level.”

upscalesingers.com

Upscale Singers 20th Anniversary Spring Concert

April 5–6 // Saturday 2 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m. // Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center // 33606 N. 60th St., Scottsdale // Adults $35, Youth (18 and under) $15 // 623-363-6690 // upscalesingers.com