Upper Valley Women's Choir: October 2014

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Messiah tickets

Tickets are now on sale for the Rexburg Arts Council's upcoming presentation of Handel's "Messiah." Tickets are $5.00 each. Go to rexburg.org/arts to purchase tickets. Children ages 6 and under will not be allowed to attend.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Messiah Soloist Results

We would like to thank all of those who were brave enough to audition for a solo for our upcoming performance of "Messiah." We had a great turnout and because of the talented singers who auditioned, it made choosing the soloists a bit difficult. Because of this, we have decided to "double cast" some of the solos.

The results are as follows:
Bass: Kyle Jensen-The Trumpet Shall Sound, including the Recitative, Behold, I tell you a Mystery.
Bass: Evan Dunn-Thus Saith the Lord/But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?
Bass: Jeff Hopkin-Thus Saith the Lord/But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?

Tenor: Kurt Furan-Comfort Ye

Tenor: Jacob Meldrum-Every Valley
Tenor: Rich Andrus-Thou Shalt Break Them

Alto: Alison Worrell-He Was Despised
Alto: Nykele Shapiro-He Shall Feed His Flock
Alto: Heidi Pyper-O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings, including the recitative, Behold a Virgin Shall Conceive

Soprano: Anna Bjornn-How Beautiful Are the Feet of Them
Soprano: Jenna Davis-Rejoice Greatly
Soprano: Mia Haggen-Rejoice Greatly
Soprano: Elisabeth Zenger-Come Unto Him
Soprano: Ashley Cooley-Come Unto Him
Soprano: Katy Willis-4 Recitatives
Soprano: Malia Kerr-4 Recitatives

We would ask that those who have been selected to please call one of the following: Paula Sonderegger-356-0219; Kathy Orton-356-4154. Please call in the next couple of days to confirm your acceptance.

We invite all of those who auditioned to be a part of our choir.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Messiah

Our choir along with the Rexburg Arts Council will be presenting Handel's "Messiah" in the place of our regular Christmas concert. Thanks to all who came to our first practice last night.

We will be rehearsing every Thursday evening from 7-9 at the LDS church on 700 Park Street. We will still accept new members next week. Bring your own music, Schrimer's edition.

HISTORY

The Upper Valley Women's Choir was established in Rexburg, Idaho in 1978. A group of women approached Florence Bowman, a voice instructor at Ricks College, about directing the choir. She readily agreed. The first name of the choir was "The Rexburg Women's Choir."

The choir's first concert was held on
May 18, 1978 in the Rexburg 4th Ward building (corner of 2nd S and 1st E). In the beginning, rehearsals and concerts were held in different churches. After the city purchased the old Tabernacle, the group began to use the building for rehearsals and concerts. They were the first organization to consistently practice in the Tabernacle. With the move to the Tabernacle, the group changed their name to "The Cantabile Singers." In 2010, the name was changed to "The Upper Valley Women's Choir" to attract a wider variety of singers.

There was no lighting, sound equipment, or even a decent piano in the early days of the choir. Generous donations helped to purchase the first grand piano in the Tabernacle, as well as have it tuned each year. Donations have also helped with the repair of the organ, the window replacement project, and various other projects.

The choir has always been service-oriented. In the fall of 2010, members of the choir helped to wash the walls and paint the interior of the Tabernacle. Each semester they sing at the local nursing home and assisted living centers. They have sung for the special "Whoopee Days" celebrations for the Fourth of July, as well as the tree lighting ceremonies just after Thanksgiving. They have also performed for special Civic Club meetings, the closing ceremonies of the Idaho International Folk Dance Festival, and at the Senior Citizens Center.

There are usually between 35-45 members in the choir, with no audition required. The choir varies in age range and is made up of ladies who just love to sing and socialize each week. Rehearsals are held each Thursday from September to May, at 9:00 am in the Rexburg Tabernacle.

Traditionally, the Upper Valley Women's Choir does two concerts each year, in May and December. The concerts are free, but donations are greatly appreciated.