On the evening of November 22, 1974, several persons involved with the music departments of respective churces in the Harrsiburg/Steelton area, met at the home of Mr. John Tunston in Steelton. The purpose of this meeting was to consider possible ways and means to effect more unity and Christian fellowship among church musicians and/or music staffs and simultaneously uplift the Kingdom of God through the universal language of music.

This was no small task: however subsequent meetings and discissions did result in the birth of the Capital Area Music Association (CAMA). The persons who assembled for the initial meeting were: Mrs Thelma Baltimore, Mrs Jacqueline Brown Jackson, Mrs. Pheobe Brown, Mrs. Ann Wallace, Mr. Robert Hanna, Mr. Vedoster Revis, Mr. Louis Harrington, Mrs Otelia Harrington, Mr John Tunston and Mr. David King.

These persons, the Charter members or Founders of the organization, developed and wrote the organozational constitution and by-laws. The organiztion's purposes were set forth and still remain as follows:

• To aid in the development of music education with in all the participating churches;

• To promote fellowship and establish rapport among the churches in the Capital Area through music;

• To provide a structure and a forum for the presentation of sacred and /or secular music in the Capital Area;

• To achieve unity through working studying and singing together;

• To encourage the utilization of musical skills and/or talents among the participants

In 1975 CAMA was fortunate and blessed to secure the service of a professional musician, Dr Anthony Leach, who accepted the position as CAMA’s Music Director. In the ensuing years, CAMA greatly benefited from the professionalism DR Leach has brought to the organization through the years. This is evidenced by CAMA’s gradual development into one of the more skilled choral groups in the Harrisburg area.

Over the years, CAMA has presented outstanding musical presentations to the Harrisburg community with Guest Artists including:

• Handel’s Messiah

• The cantata “Born To Die” written and conducted by Glen Burleigh

• The United Negro College Fund Choir

• The Howard University Gospel Choir

• The Black Spiritual Alive & Well in Central Pennsylvania
• Sacred Music of Black Composers

• The Morehouse College Glee Club

• Dr. Margaret Douroux

• Dr. Robert Fryson

• The Alpha Mass written and conducted by Glenn Burleigh

• The Gospel Mass (composed by Robert Ray)

• Music from the African American choral Series with Dr. James Abbington, guest conductor.

The focus and goal for excellence in the development and presentation of sacred and secular music as well as music education was pursued by the founders of the organization and continues to be the impetus of presentations and activities sponsored by CAMA. Now in the 21st century, CAMA, a non-profit organization is preparing to launch new initiatives in an effort to make further strides in the quest for musical excellence in the Harrisburg area. Our core activates include the Annual Fall concert (presented each November), Annual Scholarship Awards Presentation & Scholarship Recital and the Annual Spring Music Workshop with guest clinicians.

CAMA is poised to become a catalyst for musical presentations and education in the Capital Region. Interaction with community organizations and the development of greater overall Harrisburg arts agenda is paramount to addressing the many cultural issues in our communities and in our civic and educational institutions that have a positive impact on the quality of the arts in the Capital Area.