Upper Valley Women's Choir: Starting The New Season

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Starting The New Season

Upper Valley Women's Choir starts a new season Thursday, September 3rd at 9:00 a.m. in the Rexburg Tabernacle. The choir is a non-auditioned choir and women of all ages who can sing and read music are invited to participate. Sopranos are especially needed. The choir rehearses each week on Thursdays, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the Rexburg Tabernacle. Dues are $25 per semester, which cover the building rental and cost of music. The Christmas concert will be on Monday, December 7th and will feature some favorite Christmas songs as well as a children's chorus. Come and enjoy a great time! For more information, contact Kathy Orton at 356-4154 or Heidi Pyper at 356-4357.

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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.