Community Christmas Concert readies for December 14

‘Tis the season, and ‘tis even more so each day as we move closer to Christmas itself.  Before we get there, though, there is still time to stop and enjoy some of the wonders of the season—case in point, the sights and sounds of the Caribou Community Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert, which will be held at the Soda Springs High School Auditorium on December 14 starting at 4:00 p.m., free to the public.

The 38th year of the performance is themed “O Come, He is Born!” and has a full slate of choir, orchestra, and combined numbers in store.  Songs will range from the traditional to the more unexpected, but all will celebrate a message of hope and joy during the season.

The program has been under rehearsal for a number of weeks, and the performers met during their last two practices as a combined group in order to finalize the numbers. 

The practice session itself was a chance for the directors to fine-tune their numbers with the benefit of hearing how the two groups meld with one another, and to get a sense of the effect of the richer and more dynamic soundscapes involved.

The gathering area of the Presbyterian church was filled to capacity with a full choir and orchestra pit, essentially, taking up the room.  The practice was cheerful and energetic, with the calm guidance of the directors leading things along.  

A sneak preview of the set indicates that those who attend this coming Sunday will have a treat in store for them.

The program will begin with a candlelight processional, followed by an invocation and welcome.   

The orchestra practiced with the choir for the last two weeks in preparation.

During the program, the orchestra will perform “The First Noel” and “Sleigh Ride” as instrumentals, while the Choir will perform  “White is the Winter Night,” “Let it Snow,” “Betelehemu (Nigerian Christmas Song),” “Once in Royal David’s City,” and “Star of Bethlehem,” and “O Come All You Unfaithful.”

The combined group will perform “Oh Holy Night,” “The Manger of Bethlehem,” and The Hallelujah Chorus” together.  

Anne Olorenshaw and Tatum Dodge, who will be singing a solo.

Tatum Dodge will be singing the vocal solo on “The Manger of Bethlehem,” and Kim Mumford will sing the solo on “O Come All Ye Unfaithful.”  Instrumental soloists will include Tanner Davis and Rodger Sorensen.

Directors for the evening include Tanner Davis, Kimberly Mumford, Vince Burgoyne, and Anne
Olorenshaw.  

Accompanists for the concert will be Michele Hart, Kim Mumford, Amy McCurdy, and Jeannine Robinett.

The Board of Directors includes: Chairperson Wade Olorenshaw, Vice Chairperson Vince Burgoyne, Executive Director Kathleen Campbell, Executive Choir Director Kimberly Mumford, Executive Orchestra Director Anne Olorenshaw, Secretary Wade Olorenshaw, Orchestra Librarian Diana Mickelsen, Choir Librarian Dianna Mickelsen, Treasurer Wade Olorenshaw, Properties Manager Garrett Hill.  Bob & Marilyn Kukachka, and Rodger Sorensen are donors.  

Event organizers state: “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.”

The organization brings a great deal of joy and solemn celebration to the county during the Christmas season, primarily relying on grant funding and the generosity of members to help purchase music scores and equipment.  They are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization under tax exempt No. 16-1727584 and welcome tax deductible donations. You can contact board members Kathleen Campbell at 208-540-2155 or Wade Olorenshaw at 208-681-1163 for assistance with donations, if interested.

My intention had been to visit the practice in order to get some pictures and ask a few questions, but I found myself captivated by the wonderful atmosphere and the heavenly sounds—so much so that I had to make myself leave in order to make the next appointment.  Don’t miss the concert this weekend, on Sunday December 14 at 4:00 p.m.  

Like last year, there will be time to mingle with the musicians and experience some additional festivities after the concert.  See you there!