A singing tradition continues

I just returned from the annual Rotary Christmas Dinner, which is held at the YWCA and features the Van Wert High School Concert Choir. This has been a tradition which dates back further than I can remember. I know that Larry Schaufelberger had been taking the Concert Choir for most of his tenure, which dates back to the early 1960s.

As I was sitting there listening to the choir sing, it dawned on me that many of the young men in the choir had been members of the very first Van Wert Area Boychoir back in 2004.  Established as a musical organization for boys to encourage singing and give them a positive activity to engage in, the legacy lives on.  These boys and others throughout the area continue to sing… and sing quite well!  I think I counted five or six boys who started singing at this early age.  A sextet of men sang an interesting rendition of “We Three Kings” in mixed meter, perhaps in homage to the late Dave Brubeck, who just recently passed away.  They have also sung at football, basketball games, and other events around the community.

A big thank you needs to go out to Romaine Whetstone, who initiated the idea of a boychoir in Van Wert in honor of her mother. Romaine, your dream has come true for your mother and now these boys are taking their places in their schools, church choirs, and community.  Music can have a very positive influence on kid’s lives.  This is just another great example!

Speaking of the Van Wert Area Boychoir, their annual Christmas concert will be this Sunday at 2 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church.  I encourage you to support them with your attendance and maybe drop a dollar or two in the plate for them to continue reaching more boys to grow up and become singers for a lifetime.

I must really take a moment to thank the many singers who volunteered to sing in the Messiah chorus. Once again, they delivered a powerful rendition of Handel’s oratorio. I continue to hear from people that they enjoyed the performance so much. Perhaps what is the most gratifying is when the orchestra and soloists, the paid professionals, come to me afterward and tell me how much they appreciate playing and singing our Messiah. “There’s just something different about your Messiah,” they say.  I thank God for that!

Of course, it couldn’t happen without The Van Wert County Foundation’s financial support.  For years, they have been backing this through the Saltzgaber Music Fund.  And if they are willing, we will be back in two years with another Messiah performance.

The Osmond Brothers Christmas Show is now sold out for Thursday night. Thank you for your continued support of the concerts and events at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.  We look forward to another magical evening of Christmas memories at the NPAC.  In less than two weeks, Shrek- the Musical comes to town for two huge shows on Saturday, December 22.  Reading through the credits of the program, this show is filled with stars from Broadway.  The stage will be filled with actors, dancers, singers, gorgeous costumes, backdrops, and special effects that will make you think you are in midtown Manhattan.

The shows are at 2 and 7:30 p.m.  We have about 1,600 seats sold, but with two shows we can still find some good seats for you and your family to enjoy.  Call the box office, stop by or go on-line (www.npacvw.org) to get your seat reserved for the biggest show of the year.  Tickets start at just $22!  We thank our sponsors: First Federal Savings & Loan of Van Wert, Van Wert Manor, The Lima News, and our season sponsor — StateWide Ford.  They certainly help make this big show possible for us.

FINÉ.