MEDINA, Ohio -- How do you pay tribute to nearly 100 years of community music?
On April 25 and 26, the Medina Chorus, under the direction of Michael McClintock, did so by performing two concerts with the theme “A Century of Song.”
In order to provide all members of the audience with an enjoyable experience, McClintock chose a wide range of songs performed in non-chronological order. The earliest song. first popular in 1925, was “Sweet Georgia Brown.” It was followed by familiar and loved selections from each decade, arranged to provide a mix of jazz, ballads, rock and songs featuring different sections of the chorus.
The final number was the world premiere of “On the Lexi Line,” a rollicking song dedicated to the memory of Lexi Cerio. During her short life, Lexi was passionate about her love of music and the ocean. Tragically, she was diagnosed with synovial cell sarcoma in 2020. Despite aggressive treatment, she died on Feb. 14, 2025, at age 11.
To celebrate her life, her family worked with the nonprofit “Sing Me a Story Foundation,” which cooperates with songwriters and musicians who turn the stories of children in need into songs. To honor Lexi’s memory, her brothers Patrick and Nicholas wrote a story about sneaking aboard a cruise ship, singing, swimming and dining, then uncovering the theft of historical artifacts by the ship’s owner.
Tadd Russo, a 1994 Medina High School graduate who has been the staff music arranger for the Air Force Band for the past 22 years, was commissioned by MHS classmate McClintock to compose and arrange a song using Lexi’s brothers’ story as inspiration. Russo said he originally intended to compose a solemn piece, but changed his plan when he read the lighthearted story.
He instead decided upon a sailor’s song -- a “sea shanty” -- with the recurring chorus “Hey Now! Play Now! We sing and swim and dine! For every day is always great upon the Lexi Line!” “I was very honored to be asked to do this,” Russo said. He especially appreciated the local connection. His proud parents, Bill and Cheryl, were in the audience to hear the song’s premiere. In addition to the lyrics and melody, Russo arranged the music for the chorus and for the accompanist, Cathy Fafrak. The Cerio family was on hand to hear the song and to witness the standing ovation from the audience.
The chorus’ next performance will be with the Medina Community Band at 8 p.m. July 17 at the Medina Square gazebo as they celebrate America 250 with such patriotic favorites as “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America.”
To learn more about the chorus -- now in its 92nd year -- and how to join, visit www.medinachorus.com.
