holiday concerts
December 2014 Vol. XV No. 3
SOGO HO HO & The Sound of Music: These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things We're celebrating The Sound of Music's 50th anniversary at our The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Christmas themed Brass Choir holiday show. My Favorite Things, one of the movie's many timeless songs, 'is such a Christmas favorite - it just made sense,' says Greg Allison, conductor of SOGO's brass choir. We will be joined again by Victorian caroling group Joy Song. If you were in the audience last year, you know how powerful our combined performance of O Holy Night was. More than one concert-goer said it gave them chills, so we're bringing the song back again this year. Our composer in residence, Mark Thome, is writing a mash-up of Do-Re-Mi and The Twelve Days of Christmas. Can't you hear it now? 'Doe, a deer, a female...partridge in a pear tree!’ Dani Westbrook, our multi-talented trumpet teaching artist, will croon My Favorite Things. And we'll toss in some humor with another SOGO original: The Twelve Brass of Christmas. We hope to see you all at this funfilled concert - December 13, 2 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church. Tickets: Call 360.352.1438.
HOHO Brass Choir Holiday Show Saturday, December 13, 2 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church 1925 Boulevard Rd. SE, Olympia Tickets: Call 360.352.1438 $5 students, $10 seniors & adults $25 family of 4+ (2 adults & 2+ children) Messiah Sing-Along Monday, December 22, 7 p.m. Washington Center Free and open to the public
O Come, All Ye Singers
by Ginny Nordhorn
I confess, despite having kids in SOGO I had not gone to a Messiah Sing-Along until just a few years ago. Now it's one of my favorite holiday traditions. Whether you have the voice of a nightingale or the croak of a frog (ahem), everyone should experience a Messiah Sing-Along at least once. Why? The Experience: For those who aren’t in a choir, this is your chance to sing with a large group. Need a conversation starter for your next holiday party? The Messiah Sing-Along is perfect to chat about with Aunt Sally or your boss’s spouse. No Time Commitment: The musicians will spend hours rehearsing in the upcoming weeks. In contrast, you can just show up. Sit with your fellow sopranos, altos, tenors or basses, or “dance with the ones who brought you” in the mixed section. (Cont'd, p. 2)
Messiah Sing-Along SOGO is pleased to have Claudia Simpson-Jones, Suzanne Montgomery, and Chip Schooler join us again for this year's Messiah Sing-Along.
A Musical Gift for the Season Why have Dr. Douglas and Karen Jeske, owners of Tumwater Eye Center & VUE, sponsored the SOGO HO HO for so many years? 'Music and performing arts helps develop the whole person and complements academic studies. We 2010 SOGO HO HO: Dr. Douglas and are inspired by the work of SOGO Karen Jeske (left) with SOGO Executive Director Krina Allison. as they challenge and encourage student musicians to go beyond the basics and become accomplished individuals.'
Suzanne tells us, 'Being part of a Messiah choir, attending a performance, or going to a Messiah sing-along has made dear Handel's masterpiece the one constant in my many years of holiday music.' Anna’s Bay Chorale conductor Suzanne Montgomery
'It is always a pleasure to work with such dedicated students and teachers. The audience is always amazed at the talent displayed,' enthuses Claudia. Messiah Sing-Along: December 22, 7 p.m., at the Washington Center.
'We particularly enjoy sponsoring the HOHO concert in preparation for Christmas. The concert is lively, interactive, and always festive with surprise performances. HOHO is a musical gift for the season!'
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