Annual Barbershop show puts spotlight on youth
Chilliwack Harmony Chorus gets ready for their annual show, under the direction of Gerry Borden.
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Updated: November 06, 2009 11:03 AM
Get ready for some soaring vocal harmonies that will make your heart sing.
The Chilliwack Harmony Chorus is putting the vocal spotlight on young singers in their upcoming show, It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.
Everything is set for the barbershoppers' annual performance, this year on Nov. 14 in a much larger than usual venue, at the Chilliwack Alliance Church.
"The emphasis this year is on youth who love to sing," said director Gerry Borden.
Special guests this year are The Northwest Vocal Project, which took the coveted title of International Youth Chorus Champions for 2009.
"Not only are they Youth Chorus Champions, but they also just won a competition representing the entire Evergreen district this past weekend in Whistler," said Borden.
Youthful performers from Chilliwack who'll be taking the stage during the two-hour show include the Fintastic Singers of Central elementary, and a jazz ensemble from Chilliwack Senior secondary.
Local group the Hi-Q Quartet will also be invited to sing a few songs during the two-hour show.
This year the show's entertaining script has been written by the talented Linda McRae, who has taken on the responsibility of writing and directing the acting parts of past barbershop shows.
"We'll have a narrated script tying our repertoire of songs with cherished christmas memories," Borden explained.
The audience will experience the joys of young love, courtship and marriage, as well as children and the wonder of Christmas.
The group has been rehearsing in earnest for the big show.
"Our repertoire is continually evolving, so we add songs throughout the year," said Borden.
They meet every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church on Charles Street.
"The chorus is open to men who like to sing, and we're always seeking new members to share their voices in harmony."
The producer is Wayne Peach who has put together a very successful and entertaining show this year, he added.
"The show could very well be the start of a really wonderful Christmas Season."
Everyone is looking forward to hearing the Northwest Vocal Project.
"It's a growing group of young singers who love a cappella harmony and live to entertain."
They sing all genres of music, from gospel to jazz, barbershop to contemporary. Their intricate arrangements with complex choreography, youthful energy and precision to create a unique and unforgettable performance.
In their short career the vocal groups has performed in Oregon, Idaho, California, and Texas and now they're heading for Chilliwack. The project flew down to Pasadena, California and earned the coveted title of International Barbershop Youth Chorus Champions.
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, Nov. 14, Chilliwack Alliance Church
Tickets: Premium $20, General Admission $15, Student $8, the Chilliwack Alliance Church office (8700 Young Road); on-line at www.ticketweb.ca or call 888-222-6608; and from any member of the Chilliwack Harmony Chorus.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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