Sequim’s Christmas Chorus gathers for three shows this weekend

By Matthew Nash • November 29, 2017 1:30 am
Gary McRoberts directs the Sequim Community Chorus as Patty Shoop sings a solo on “In the bleak mid-winter,” and Linda Grubbs plays piano. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash
Gary McRoberts directs the Sequim Community Chorus as Patty Shoop sings a solo on “In the bleak mid-winter,” and Linda Grubbs plays piano. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Thirty-three years in and members of the Sequim community continue to gather and sing some of their favorite Christmas classics for one special weekend.

The Sequim Community Christmas Chorus, consisting of 60-plus singer, performs the program “Rejoice! A King is Born” for three shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church, 30 Sanford Lane.

The non-denominational program features sacred songs such as “Peace, Peace” and selections like “Make a Joyful Noise.”

Soloists this year include Patty Shoop singing on “In the bleak mid-winter,” Stacey Fradkin on “The Alfred Burt Carols,” and Stephanie Clark on “Heaven gonna touch the Earth,” who also directs the song “The Lamb of Christmas.”

Gary McRoberts directs the program for the 12th year and is accompanied by pianist Donna Grubbs, music coordinator and pianist for Trinity United Methodist Church.

This year members of the Sequim Community Orchestra join the show including Beth Pratt and Heather Titterness on violin, Phil Morgan-Ellis on viola, Emma Mitchell on cello and students from the strings Kids’ String Program. They’ll play on songs such as “Away in a Manger” and “The First Noel.

Proceeds from the show benefit the children’s program. Organizers say last year the show $1,000 to the program.

Tickets are $5 and available at the show or in advance at the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce, 1192 E. Washington St., Bauer Interior Design, 119 N. Sequim Ave., Forage Gifts & Northwest Treasurers, 121 W. Washington St., and Elliott’s Antique Emporium, 135 E. First St., Port Angeles.

For more information on the show, email gail@gailsumpter.com or visit facebook.com/SequimCommunityChristmasChorus.

This year, more than 60 locals make up the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus that performs Dec. 1-3 at Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

This year, more than 60 locals make up the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus that performs Dec. 1-3 at Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Linda Bauer plays the organ at Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church as part of the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Linda Bauer plays the organ at Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church as part of the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash