MIDDLEPORT — The Middleport Community Choir’s annual spring concert with the Middleport Bell Tones will celebrate the fading of winter, the spirit of spring and the promise of new beginnings, according to choir director Ric Jones.
The concert, titled “Arise: Songs of Spring and Renewal,” is scheduled for 4 p.m. May 4 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 133 Telegraph Road.
“This concert weaves together harmonies of hope, rebirth and the natural beauty that blossoms anew each year,” Jones said. “Featuring a diverse repertoire, our program reflects the many faces of renewal — the thawing of frozen earth, the return of birdsong and the quiet strength that comes with change and growth. Let the music stir your soul like the first warm breeze of the spring and celebrate with us the eternal rhythm of seasons turning.”
Some of the songs that the choir will perform are “Like a River in my Soul,” “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and “This is my Father’s World.”
The Middleport Community Choir was formed in 1999 by the late Herb Koenig to sing with a brass ensemble that was visiting from Germany. They had such a good time and formed such strong camaraderie that they decided to keep the choir going. Jones, who resides in Medina, has been its director for 22 years.
Mark Christensen, one of the original members, said Jones “brings out the best of the voices in the choir.”
Other original members are Carol Blumrick of Middleport, Kelly Eick of Medina and Joy Bohnet of Lyndonville. The Bell Tones director and choir accompanist Debby Clark of Lockport has also been involved from the beginning.
“When Herb first founded the choir, I immediately joined, as I love singing,” Blumrick said. “I have been involved ever since. The thing I love most about being involved in the choir is the camaraderie with all the members. Some of us have traveled to Germany together and have diligently done fundraisers to keep the choir ‘afloat.’ We have members who may not be able to participate in every scheduled concert, but it is a testament to the group that folks keep returning for every concert they are able to perform in. All are made to feel welcome.”
The Bell Tones, a bell choir, has been a part of the Community Choir since the latter was established, according to Blumrick. “They’ve packed up their bells and traveled to Germany with us when we went on tour there. Some of the bell choir members are also in the vocal choir, too, but having both groups allows for different talents to shine.”
Clark has led the Bell Tones and accompanied the choir all along. She said the bell choir was started after someone donated a set of handbells to United Methodist Church in Middleport. Currently there are positions for 11 ringers, but they average nine.
“When we are planning a concert, Ric gives me an idea of what the choir is planning to sing and I try to pick music that will complement his songs,” Clark said. “I have to choose songs that use no more than three octaves.”
Two of the songs Clark chose for the upcoming concert are “Grace and Majesty” by Jason Krug and “The Peace of Christ” by Douglas Wagner.
The choirs rehearse separately — the Community Choir at United Methodist Church and the bell choir at the old Universalist Church — and then join for a final rehearsal the week before a concert.
Choir members come from Niagara, Orleans and Erie counties.
There is no admission charge to attend a concert, but free will offerings are accepted.