|
 Formed in 1986 to “give musicians all ages a
chance to share their talents with the community, the orchestra,
chorale and summer band” have been providing entertainment for many
years. Made up of volunteers from teenagers to octogenarians, the
performers spend nine weeks of hard work preparing for this concert.
Master of Ceremonies Keith Snyder introduced and gave some
background on each of the songs, many of which were arrangements
with medleys of several holiday classics.
Led by Julie Kasa, the 26-member orchestra played such Christmas
standards as “We Three Kings,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” and “Go
Tell it on the Mountain.” Other songs included “A Gleeful
Christmas,” and “A Canadian Brass Christmas,” which combined various
Christmas songs. The orchestra closed out their portion of the
concert with “I Saw Three Ships.”
Directed by Tim Searby and accompanied by Kay Dobson and Sarah
Strotheide, the 51-member chorale1, sang rousing renditions of the
seasonal “Mistletoe and Holly” and “Tuimbe (Let There Be Music),” an
African Celebration of Music.” “Various Themes on Fa-La-La,”
provided a rollicking ride with a medley that included the music of
“William Tell Overture,” “Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony,” “Blue
Danube,” and “Overture of 1812.”
[to top of second column] |
A “Christmas Carol Jamboree (A Holiday Hoedown)”
provided a southern twist and fresh take on the songs “Jingle
Bells,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Religious holiday classics included “Angels from the Realms of
Glory,” and “O Night Divine” and “Come to Me” with soloist Austin
Garriot.
The evening’s performances ended with the combined chorale and
orchestra offering the awe inspiring “Hallelujah Chorus from The
Messiah,” LAMS traditional final number.
The LAMS orchestra and chorale appreciates the support and financial
sponsorship from many in the community, which LAMS president Donny
Parker says enables the society to offer music scholarships and pay
their conductors.
[Angela Reiners] |
