The Sun Lakes Chorale officially kicked off the holiday season on Thursday, December 6, with their annual Holiday Concert. We were pleased to have such a large and enthusiastic crowd in attendance and we were happy to regale them with songs of the holidays, wishing them hope, love, peace and laughter to help them envision the new-born king, snow-covered rooftops, stars and sleigh rides.

Our 75+ member chorale opened the program singing in the aisles with an upbeat rendition of Be Glad This Festive Day. This set the mood for a great evening of holiday songs, both traditional and modern. This year’s program included a gospel-like carol calling us to Come and See the Baby, a carol about the fun and chill of a Sleigh Ride and the love and hope of Christmas Is. There was also the fun and silliness of You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch by the men and the warmer, more serene “In the Bleak Midwinter” by the women. These are just a few of many carols performed this night conveying the many moods of the holiday season.

This year’s Holiday Concert also featured competent solos and quartets and duets from members Wes Davis and Jim Brown; the talented quartet of Tom Chase, John Maxwell, Ron Young, Murray Rose; a Christmas reading of Yes, Virginia by Merrie Crawford; and Bev Borneman and Martha Wood’s Christmas Tree musical feud.

The Chorale is privileged to share the talents of guest accompanists to enhance the carols. This night, flautist Vicki Deken served to make a syncopated carol, Sing, Sing Noel, move along more smoothly and add a lilting tone. On the lighter side, we thank Chris Mank for his willingness to portray The Grinch.

Our able director Cris Temple-Evans is assisted by Performance Coordinator, her husband Bart Evans. Together with the assistance and musical talents of Caroline Brown on the piano and BJ Van Noy on percussion, the chorale was able to present a fully-rounded, spirited performance.

Our goal, as presented to us by Cris, is to touch everyone in the audience, to bring forth a good memory of Christmases past, to give hope for Christmases future, to lift up any who need an emotional lift and to bring joy and holiday spirit to all who attend. Through our shared love of music and community, we hope we have touched each of those who joined us and hope to reach more of you next year.

As is customary, the Chorale closed with Shalom Chaverim before greeting the guests in the vestibule. Happy Holidays from the Sun Lakes Chorale.