Upper Valley Women's Choir: IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!!!!

Monday, November 21, 2016

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!!!!

It is always so amazing how fast the year goes. We start in the fall learning songs and before we know it, it is time for Thanksgiving and a remembrance of how many wonderful blessings we have. Singing in the Upper Valley Women's Choir is such a treat and a blessing.

This is the time of year we polish and finish preparing for our Christmas concert. This year's concert will be on December 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rexburg Tabernacle. Our theme is "An Old Fashioned Christmas," and we will be singing songs like "Candy Cane Lane," "Grown up Christmas List," and "When a Child is Born." Along with a sing-along of good old fashioned carols and dancers from the Footworks Dance Studio, it promises to be an evening to bring joy and delight. Please join us for a wonderful evening!

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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.