OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg's Pro Musica choral group will celebrate their 50th year with their 49th spring concert Wednesday, May 17, at 7 p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church, 423 Ford St., corner of Ford and Franklin streets.

Director Richard Patton and accompanist Christine Bookman will lead the group.

There is a suggested donation of $3 to help provide awards and scholarships to graduating students in five area high schools.

In addition to traditional spring songs, the choir will also take a trip down memory lane with music from the 1960s featuring a rock and Motown medley.

Students of Ogdensburg’s Madill School, directed by Angela Dwyer, will once again accompany the choir.

Pro Musica was formed in 1967 by Mr. Reuel Gifford, the organist and director of the Men and Boys Choir of St. John's Episcopal Church and Mrs. Sally Bibbens, organist and choir director of the Congregational Church.

With modest beginnings, and audiences of sometimes even just four, the group has since grown to accommodate members of the community from all walks of life who enjoy the fellowship of choir singing.

Pro Musica now performs to audiences of more than 200 twice a year, in spring and for Christmas.

After Mrs. Bibbens’ death in 1989, a small scholarship was established for a graduating senior from OFA who has excelled in choral music, funded by proceeds from the group’s concerts.