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December 3, 2009

Local talent goes into concert mode for the holidays

By Julie Huss

From one musician to all the others in this area — it is time for the holidays.

I know that we who perform in choral or instrumental groups or lead students in song at any of the area's schools are immersed in concert mode for the weeks ahead. After all, the holidays mean music, dance, theater and a lot of hard work.

For the next several weeks, there will be something for anyone who wants to indulge in holiday entertainment. The list is long and the variety vast.

For me, I have the pleasure of singing in a few groups around the region and this time of year is definitely a busy, but enjoyable one. And I also have the pleasure of sharing my love of singing with many from this area who are talented and devoted to what they do.

And many of us see some of these people every day.

So here's my plug for one thing that might make your list this holiday season if you are seeking some good music and holiday enjoyment. The Manchester Choral Society, made up of singers from all over the region — Derry, Londonderry, Manchester, Chester, Windham, and beyond — presents it 49th season of holiday concerts on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. and again on Dec. 5 at 7p.m. at the Bedford High School.

The concert has something for everyone, from traditional holiday carols to energetic African numbers performed with the Akwaaba Traditional African Drum and Dance Ensemble.

And all who have been lucky enough to see the Akwaaba members perform, with their spirit, drive, and so much energy, know the show will fill the auditorium with enough holiday spirit to last all year long. Members of the Bedford High School Concert Choir and the New Hampshire Youth Chorus will also join the chorus.

If this isn't enough to almost guarantee some great music, there is another big draw to hopefully get people in the door. For all of us who cross paths with some of the most talented school music teachers in this town, why not come to the concert and support local favorites who make their mark every day on the lives of children in the Derry and Londonderry school districts?

Retired South Range Elementary School music teacher Charles Blood continues to accompany the Manchester Choral Society on piano and is a beloved fixture in the chorus. Another Derry face singing in the chorus is Ginny Legare, longtime Derry music educator. Londonderry High School's music teacher Danielle Lucas also joins me in the alto section every week.

And many of us know Chris Haswell, another longtime alto, recently named top volunteer coordinator by the NH Partners in Education for her more than 30 years of work at South Range Elementary School.

Every one is talented in their own right and many people from Greater Derry call the Manchester Choral Society home every Monday night. Many have sung in this group for decades — Pinkerton grads, familiar faces, someone you might know. It's a chance to see what our group does, catch a friendly face, and support the arts at the same time.

Tickets are $20 and $15 and available at the door on concert night, or by calling 603-472-6-MCS. Visit the chorus online at www.mcsnh.org. We would love to have you.

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