On Saturday, December 15, 2018, the Ashland Area Community Choir continued their traditional Christmas Concert which began in 1982.
On Saturday, December 15, 2018, the Ashland Area Community Choir continued their traditional Christmas Concert which began in 1982. The choir made up of fifty members filed into the sanctuary at the Lavelle Church of the Nazarene. There were approximately 370 people in attendance, well over one hundred more than was present at their spring concert. The pews were so packed with guests that additional chairs filled in the center aisle and foyer. Some people even stood to watch the annual event.
This year’s concert included something new. At three o’clock the Jerusalem Lutheran Bell Choir of Schuylkill Haven kicked off the concert with “Ring Out, Ye Bells!” led by their director Beverly Eiche Kriner. The bell choir consisted of nine members. They also performed “O Come, All Ye Faithful” during a voluntary offering which was executed beautifully sending chills over the audience.
In addition to the bell choir, there were a few other additions. “African Star Carol” was performed with Glen Roberts on percussion. Later, ten year old Michael Adams sang a solo “In the Bleak Midwinter.” The choir even added a little comedy into the show with their performance during “Whistle Neath the Mistletoe.” The audience and choir themselves enjoyed the songs; some of the choir members were caught dancing to the music.
Michael Adams is a third generation member of this year’s Christmas Concert, alongside his mother, Ashley Adams, and grandmother, April Green. He indicated that his mom helped him pick the song for his solo and began practicing in October. Ashley Adams stated that she was approached by Director Bruce McCormick about having Michael sing for the Christmas Concert.
Bruce McCormick seems to enjoy having family members within the choir. He stated that it is like, “family within a family.” There are siblings, husbands and wives, parents and children, as part of the Ashland Area Community Choir. McCormick stated that there is, “almost every combination of family members.” He hinted that the spring concert may even highlight the family aspect of the choir. McCormick also indicated that the age range spans eight decades between the youngest and oldest members.
This year’s concert also included a couple new members, including their first international member, Glynese McGovern, who is originally from the Philippines. Lani Smallwood, who recently moved to the area, is another of the newest members. She joined her brother, Jeremy Smallwood, and niece, Kaitlyn Smallwood in the choir. Lani stated that, “it’s awesome to be a part of something like this again, with such talented people who sing simply because they love doing it. I’m honored to be a part of it!”
