Traditions of Christmas!

The Caribou Community Orchestra and Choir brought a delightful range of more and less familiar Christmas songs to the Valley, filling the auditorium on a cold Sunday afternoon with the devotional sounds of the season, and a top-notch musical performance from everyone involved.  The groups have been in rehearsals for weeks, and between the community choir members and orchestra, they presented a masterful celebratory concert.

The concert, which was presented in memory of Winifred Alldaffer, was directed by a number of accomplished directors, including Anne Olorenshaw, Vince Burgoyne, Tanner Davis, and Kimberly Mumford, who also served as the executive Choir Director.

The afternoon began with a candlelight processional of choir members, after which an invocation was given by Jeannine Robinet.  The numbers included “Joy to the World,” “The Christmas Song,” “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” “Still, Still, Still,” “Star of Wonder Medley,” African Star Carol,” “What Child is This?” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Is He Worthy?” and “The Hallelujah Chorus,” during which the audience was invited to participate.  A benediction was offered by Pastor Jeff Uskoski.

By the time the choir was in place, the room was filled with an excited audience waiting to hear what this year’s concert had in store.

“The audience was the biggest and best yet, which added immensely to the spirit of the performance,” CCCC and O Executive Administrator (and member of both the choir and the orchestra) Kathleen Campbell said.  “The performers and directors were all at their best, and everything came together so beautifully.  Thank you to the entire community for helping to make this concert a great way to celebrate the Christmas season in Caribou County!”

Choir members included sopranos: Kate Williams, Holland Williams, Lizzie Beutler, Angie Lloyd, Kathleen Campbell, India Galloway, Charlotte Skinner, Kimberly Mumford, Alexia Coburn, Megan McCurdy, Michelle McCurdy, Mickelle O’Brien, Mariah Richardson, Anne Olorenshaw, Jackie Winward; Altos: Deanna Barker, Crystal Galloway, Nona McCurdy, Emily Hill, Michele Hart, Stephanie Hamilton, Susy Hunsaker, Emily Hill, Heidi Walker; Tenors: Mark Jackson, Mark Balls, Tanner Davis, Bob Kukachka, Wade Olorenshaw; Bass: Robert Birch, Ralph Peterson, Craig Richardson, Nathan Sobers, Andrew Richardson, Vince Burgoyne, Dana McCurdy.

The Orchestra included Violin 1: Aimee Harris, Cherysh Stock, Keith Crandall, Debbie Hansen, Teresa Norton, Kate Williams, Elizabeth Olorenshaw; Violin 2: Christine Lake, Kathleen Campbell, Susy Hunsaker, Deborah Olsen, London Galloway, Ashley Lind, Deborah Olsen, Chloe Olsen, Caleb Lind; Viola: Sandy Walker, Dean Lake; Cello: Tanner Davis, Isaiah Olsen, Reed Crandall, Diana Mickelsen, Wade Olorenshaw; Double Bass: Anne Olorenshaw; Harp: Heidi Walker; Flutes: Amy McCurdy, Laura Lind, Kim Mendenhall; Oboe: Liz Call, Clarinet: Crystal Galloway, Greshon Clegg; French Horn: Cherney Cunningham, Jackie Winward; Trumpet: Vince Burgoyne, Shelly McCurdy, Megan McCurdy; Trombone: Aaron Walker, Ralph Peterson; Percussion: Garrett Hill; Piano: Kimberly Mumford.

The Board of Directors stated: “A heartfelt thank you to all our dedicated musicians, their time in rehearsals, and their talent and love of music.  A special recognition goes to our very talented and experienced directors and accompanists who have made our rehearsals fun as well as a great learning experience.

Thank you to the many behind the scenes board of directors, associates and friends who have helped get the word out, set up, decorate, and clean up, without whom this concert could not have been so successful.

A special thanks to the Presbyterian church for providing a place for choir rehearsals, and the Soda Springs School District for Orchestra rehearsals at the Middle School.  Thanks to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Soda Springs Stake, for the choir music library and contributions.  Thanks to Bayer for printing beautiful Christmas Concert advertising posters and Sanders Furniture and the use of their cargo trailer.

And most of all, we thank you, the audience for coming tonight.  It is a true Joy to present this concert to such a warm and receptive audience in the traditional fashion each year.

We hope we have helped you to feel the Christmas spirit.  We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!”

After the performance itself finished, an ad hoc jazz combo entertained visitors in the lobby as musicians met with their families, and many people stuck around to spend a little more time in the magic of music.