Menu
Review: 'Summer Fun" choir concert lives up to its name
When I was asked to substitute for Charles Nash to review the Community Council on the Creative Art's Spring Community Choir Concert I knew already what I would write. I didn't have to go to the rehearsal to know that a concert directed by Bill Martin would be a musical treat. Although I had not had the privilege of hearing Jennifer Schneringer accompany a concert, I knew that anyone who would give the time and energy it takes for months of weekly rehearsals would be a dedicated, gifted pianist. I was correct. Her youthful vigor and love of music shows in the smiles she shares with the singers and director. And last but certainly not least, I knew that the loyal singers who form the choir so faithfully twice a year would include many of Vernon County's finest musicians. Although the number was smaller this time, the quality of the group, and the way their voices blended left nothing to be desired.
It would have been my loss if I had missed this rehearsal. I enjoyed the evening very much and found that all of my predictions were more than true. Sitting in on a practice session is a treat in itself. You can witness the fun and fellowship the choir members have with each other and observe the respect that is shown to the director and accompanist. That respect goes both ways as Bill Martin shows his appreciation for the gifts of each member of the choir.
The concert theme is set when the year's schedules are decided by the CCPA. Bill Martin said that when he heard the title, "Summer Fun," he decided that the concert would be a celebration of summer and of our country. He chose the program's songs from his own collections, and found others which he arranged to fit the talents of the choir members.
The first half of the concert celebrates summer, moving from an old English round, "Sumer is Acumin in" from the year 1225 up to "The Best of the Beach Boys." What fun that one was! My daughter-in-law accompanied me to the rehearsal and she was nearly dancing on the beach with the singers. But my favorite of the first section was the terrific rendition of "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess, which was a solo by Teresa Sword with background from the choir. But it was also fun to hear the choir ably get around all the words of "Kde Su Kravy Moje," a Slavic Folk Song.
In between the numbers Martin gives interesting and humorous commentary about the pieces. A choir member told me that half of the fun of the evening for the choir is hearing what the director will say this time. It is never the same.
After the intermission the music is a celebration of our country. How many of you have heard ALL the verses of the Star Spangled Banner? The words come across clearly in these less well known verses and seem very appropriate today. In the Patriotic Sing-a-long many familiar songs are presented including the theme songs of each branch of the service. A young granddaughter of one of the singers shared the audience with us and she couldn't keep from marching when she heard those stirring songs. With my World War II memories revived, I wanted to march with her.
The sentimental, yet patriotic song, "The House I Live In," was enhanced with a solo by Todd Weber. And the "Stars and Stripes Forever" was made even more moving with the addition of Teresa Sword's flute.
As we left the theater with "God Bless America" ringing in our ears, I couldn't help adding, and God bless those who gave us this evening of Summer Fun.
You can share this same excitement May 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and May 8 at 2 p.m. at the Fox Playhouse in Nevada.