Background: How it Started

The SSA Chorus began as a small group of employees who gathered together to sing carols during the Christmas season. It started in 1939 under the direction of John Ross, organist and choirmaster. In 1948, a group led by Joseph Spahn, a cellist with the Baltimore Symphony and SSA employee, merged with John Ross' group to form the SSA Chorus. Spahn's direction lasted 10 years with 12 Directors following in his footsteps until the recent departure of Ed Bulson who served as Director from 1991 until December, 2001. Sandy Wieprecht is the current Director of the SSA Chorus.

During the early years, SSA Chorus performances were limited to the Candler Building and the Baltimore and Washington offices. Eventually, the chorus began performing at hospitals within the community for physically and mentally disabled patients. The chorus grew in size until its membership had to be limited to 60 singers with applicants on a waiting list. Its prestige also grew under the direction of Norman McNeil (1971 - 1977) when the SSA Chorus appeared with the Gettysburg Symphony Orchestra, made appearances on television, and recorded for the Voices of Freedom in addition to its regular performance schedule at churches and hospitals.

In its official capacity at SSA, the Chorus provided musical background for the oath-of-office ceremony for the HEW Secretary and Assistant Secretary in 1961. This Chorus has continued to perform for special Commissioners' Ceremonies throughout the years. One of the Chorus' unique appearances included a launch of a Public Service Announcement for Education at a movie theater at Union Station in Washington, D.C. Yearly special appearances include the Flower Mart in Baltimore, SSA Night at Camden Yards for the Orioles Game, and the 4th of July Parade in Towson. In December 2001, the SSA Chorus sang for the Swearing In Ceremony for Commissioner JoAnne B. Barnhart.

The SSA Chorus is smaller today but still in demand at community organizations, hospitals, adult daycare facilities, and senior citizen groups within the Baltimore region. One of our current members has been singing with the group for almost 50 years! She is among our group of devoted retirees. We have also recruited younger singers (and new SSA employees) who share their talents, their ideas, and their enthusiasm! They are the future of this long-standing tradition of public service to the community.