Main Sections

“Just Sing a Song” Celebrating the Holidays with Voices Raised and Hearts Lightened

Tuesday December 2, 2008

By Cookie Steponaitis

   “Sing, Sing a song, Sing out loud, Sing out strong, Sing of good things, not bad, Sing of happy, not sad, Sing, Sing a song, Make it simple, To last your whole life long, Don't worry that it's not good enough, For anyone else to hear, Sing, Sing a song.” When Joe Raposo write these lyrics for his 1980’s music group, he may not have had Christmas time in mind; but really music is not just seasonal and is a part of our lives, celebrations and gatherings during the whole year. As snowflakes danced in the Champlain Valley this Thanksgiving weekend, and people busily hustled around with friends, families and the inevitable holiday shopping list; it became evident that the holidays have arrived. Adding to the merriment are special gatherings that will occur to brighten our season and lighten our hearts.

   While there are many special holiday concerts and gatherings, there are some that have been a part of the Champlain Valley traditions for up to thirty years and are marked on many calendars in red as a date not to be missed. On Saturday, December 6th at 7:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 7th at 3:00 p.m., the Otter Creek Choral Society will be at the Vergennes Congregational Church to present their winter concert.  Admission is $10.00 for adults and $ 5.00 for senior citizens and students. The theme of the event is “We need a little Christmas” and will feature the 34 voices of local people who comprise the choir and be under the direction of Ann Sullivan. Ann assumed the director’s position about 2 ½ years ago and remarked that, “the group had its founding about seven years ago under Wayne Heath. We meet every Monday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Congregational Church and it is open to anyone. You do not need to be able to read music or have prior training to attend. During the year we sing just about everything. Our spring concert was a salute to the 1950’s and for this concert we want to invite everyone to come and enjoy. It is our wish that you will leave the concert with your heart and steps lightened.”

    Another sure sign that the holiday are here is the announced Community Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 13th at 3:00 p.m. at the Vergennes Methodist Church. No admission fee is charged. This event was started by Linda Miller around 1982 and brings together each year choir groups from all the local churches. When asked about the rationale behind starting the concert, all those years ago, Linda was quick to point out that people love to share music and love to be together. “It simply is about sharing music,” she replied. “We simply love to get together, share music and to have everyone enjoy. There will be lots of Christmas carols for everyone to sing and all are welcome.”

    Yet another group that has been a part of the holiday traditions since 1975 is Certain Sounds. Their winter concert will be held on Sunday, December 21st at 7:30 p.m. at the Ferrisburgh Methodist Church. Admission to this event is free. This gospel group was founded in 1975 and has presented annual winter and summer concerts ever since. Original organizer Ralph Dike reflected that the group started as a way to involve youth in music. “The first year it involved only a few adults and about 25 youth. The second year we performed for the bicentennial year and the group grew to include the youth and adults of both the North Ferrisburgh Church and the Ferrisburgh Center Church.” The group even went for several years without a name, but evolved into Certain Sounds and has continued every year to offer a Cantata for Christmas and Easter. Group member and long time musician Anna Husk also remarked on the special quality that music brings life. “Christmas music and all that it brings is a part of our lives and our heritage. It brings us peace and joy to be with others.” In Anna’s family, music is a way of life and she was delighted to share that her great-granddaughter has continued her love of piano and music and that even at nine years old, Olivia Anair is a presence with her piano.

    So no matter how busy you get, or how much snow blows and drifts into the valley, make time to join in one or all of these special gatherings. The sounds and joy of hearing the Otter Creek Choral Society, the Community Chorus, or Certain Sounds will lift your heart and inspire you to open your heart to the holidays and to the wonder of music from voices raised in song. Mark your calendars for December 6,7,13 and 21st. Prepare to sing a song and lighten your heart!

Printer Friendly

Top

Advertisements

Search our Archives