Sequim Community
Christmas Chorus’ 31st show
Shows: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Dec. 5-6
Location: Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church, 30 Sanford Lane.
Tickets: $5 suggested at the door or in advance at Bauer Interior Design, the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce and Hart’s Fine Books in Sequim and Elliott’s Antique Emporium in Port Angeles. Children under 12 free. A portion of proceeds to Sequim Community Aid and the Shipley Center scholarship fund for low-income seniors.
More info: Call Gail Sumpter at 477-9361 or at gail@gailsumpter.com.
Some spirited singers are looking to kick off Christmas for Sequim.
Sixty-seven singers with the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus perform three shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church, 30 Sanford Lane.
Gary McRoberts returns to lead the chorus for its 31st season with Kayla Layer accompanying the group.
Admittedly biased, McRoberts said every year he’s directed the chorus has been the best and this year is no different.
While the chorus does not require auditions nor fees to join, it brings in some of the finest voices from around the Sequim-Dungeness area.
One of the many highlights, McRoberts said, is Sequim High student Colleen Carpenter singing “Breath of Heaven” on Friday and Saturday and Cynthia Webster on Saturday. Other highlights, McRoberts said, include solos by Robin Reed in “I Wonder as I Wander” by Benjamin Britten, and Kyra Humphrey singing “That’s the Good News” by David T. Clydesdale.
The chorus is ecumenical and focuses on traditional Christmas choral songs.
A few of the many other songs include “Joy to the World,” “We Three Kings” and “The First Noel.”
The chorus’ longtime members say they want it to be known that they are grounded in the true meaning of Christmas.
Originally, the chorus formed behind the efforts of Elaine Carlson and downtown merchants with local church choirs coming together to put on an entertaining Christmas show emphasizing what they believe is the true meaning of Christmas. In 1984, Phil Rader directed the first chorus with 175 singers, which also included the Sequim High School Choir and Bell Choir at the Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church.
McRoberts said every year since he’s joined, they’ve seen a range of 20-25 new singers annually.
For more information on the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus, contact Gail Sumpter at 477-9361 or at gail@gailsumpter.com.
