Some people get into the holiday spirit when they decorate their Christmas tree, while for others it’s a big snowfall. For some in the foothills, the Big Rock Singers’ annual Christmas concert gets them feeling festive.
Last year, an audience member told Big Rock Singers president Karen Taggart the concert is a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season, she said.
“When they attend one of our Christmas shows, they feel Christmas has arrived.”
The over 50-member adult choir is preparing for its concert at the Okotoks United Church Sunday. This year’s theme is “Sing We Now of Christmas” and will feature traditional, old-fashioned hymns such as “We Three Kings” and “Silent Night,” explained Taggart.
“But there’s always a twist to it, there’s a choir twist… It’s not like you open up your hymn book and you just sing it.”
The Big Rock Singers will be joined by the Okotoks Men’s Chorus and the jazz choir from the Alberta High School of Fine Arts. Director Carey Gruber will lead the choir, while Tim Korthuis will accompany them on piano. The group has also hired a drummer and bassist for the show.
Taggart said audiences can expect some wonderful music and a powerful opening number as choir members will surround the church singing “This Holy Night” acapella.
“If it doesn’t give you goosebumps, you’re missing something,” she said.
Taggart has been part of the choir for four years and said rehearsal can be like good medicine after a long day.
“By the end of the evening, there’s a sense of peace and definitely a sense of camaraderie.”
The group is always looking for new members and there are no auditions to join. Not all members can read sheet music, but they must have a love for music, she said.
“We take ourselves seriously but at the same token, we got giggles going in the back row all the time. I’m sure our director often feels like we’re a bunch of teenage girls.”
Pat Reader-Downey has been a member of the Big Rock Singers for 16 years. As the music director at the Okotoks United Church, she said the choir gives her the chance to just do what she loves.
“It’s nice to just go sing in something where I don’t have to do any planning or directing and I can just sing.”
She said it is fun to be part of the choir and it is a chance to meet new people.
Reader-Downey said the group has grown in size and professionalism over the years and concerts now include other musical groups.
“It used to be only Big Rock Singers and now it’s a combination of different groups that are there. We try to support other groups and promote them as well.”
Performing two shows is also a new feature, she said, adding it gives the choir the chance to perform twice and more opportunity for audiences to attend.
Reader-Downey said she is always moved by the same people who come to every Christmas concert because they love to hear the music.
“It’s a way to actually have people connect, especially for the special parts of the season.”
The Big Rock Singers’ “Sing We Now of Christmas” concert runs Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Okotoks United Church at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The 2:30 p.m. show is sold out. Tickets cost $20 and are available at Sobeys and Safeway in Okotoks. For more information on the Big Rock Singers, go to www.bigrocksingers.com.
