[December 11, 2012]    

MOUNT PULASKI -- On Sunday afternoon, the multi-faith Mount Pulaski Community Choir and Orchestra came together to perform a most marvelous Christmas cantata, this year presented in the spacious sanctuary and congregational areas of the Mount Pulaski First Christian Church. An enthusiastic crowd clapped and clapped as they listened to many of their favorite Christmas songs and instrumental pieces. All faiths were represented by the performers as well as by the attendees -- a promoted appeal that is honored each and every time the Mount Pulaski Community Choir and Orchestra is in performance.

Highlighting the event were the superb soloist performances by current Mount Pulaski Grade School student: Rylan Lindley and Mount Pulaski High School graduates Jennifer Wernsing and Michael Tanner. Another pleasant surprise was the excellent performance of the young flute choir under the direction of longtime instrumental instructor Beth Anderson. The afternoon was capped off by the performances of two former longtime Mount Pulaski Grade and High School instrumental and choir instructors: Jamie Ernst and Claus Tanner, who were accompanied by current instructor David Helm.

The beautifully selected and rendered program included "Noel & Alleluia Overture," "Advent Carol of the Bells," "Christmas Angels," "Jesus, Joy of the Highest Heaven," "Christmas Lullaby" (soloist: Rylan Lindley), "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" (soloist: Jennifer Wernsing), "These Three Gifts with Adoration" (soloist: Michael Tanner), and "Hallelujah, Jesus Is Born!" and "Love Came for Me" (soloist: Jennifer Wernsing). The fanale included "All is Well," "Sing Noel" and "Sing Hallelujah."

A very informative narration was provided for each piece by Rebecca Drake. First Christian Church Pastor Mark Weber provided uplifting prayers before and following the performance. A freewill offering was collected to help defray the expense of the music purchased from Tom Fettke Publishing.

Photos and text by: Phil Bertoni, Mount Pulaski Township Historical Society publicity director

CHOIR MEMBERS
SOPRANOS: Barbara Lindley, Rosemary Fuiten, Sara Devine, Jennifer Fielden, Emily Fielden, Rylan Lindley, Jean Lucas, Rosalie Tanner, Carol VanReheeden, Jennifer Wernsing and Jane Bryson

ALTOS: Eleanor Clements, Sarah Kline, Rhonda Mattern, Janet Maxheimer, Joyce Maxheimer, Maris Shake and Joan Theobald
MEN: Karen Wernsing, Harry Bleavins, Harold Drake, Jamie Ernst, Clayton Lindley, Michael Tanner and Pastor Mark Weber

 

PIANO: Beth Anderson
NARRATOR: Rebecca Drake
DIRECTORS: Beth Anderson and Claus Tanner
SOUND:  Jonathan Wernsing 

 

ORCHESTRA MEMBERS
FLUTE:  Marissa Booth, Chelsea George, Sue Ann Hattemer, Emily Tomlin and Samantha Wetter
CLARINET:  Becky Kunken, Shelby Lessen and Alaina Thoele