Joint holiday choir welcomes singers

Vocalists from across the community are invited to be part of presenting A Christmas Moment, a holiday concert planned for Dec. 5. With the concert about a month away, now is the time to sign up and begin rehearsing.

This past spring the music ministers of three local churches – Greg Weeks of Calvary Baptist Church, George Crummie of Tharptown Baptist and Bert Fowler of Russellville First Baptist – got together to discuss the idea of uniting the community with a combined choir to present a special Christmas service.

“We are trying to get the word out to area churches. The logistics of distributing music and rehearsing such a group proved to be a daunting task, but we believe God will pull it all together,” Fowler said.

Fowler said some of choirs are practicing on their own, while others are attending joint rehearsals.

“It’s been a learning process and has been complicated by the ongoing responsibilities and programs of our own churches as well as the COVID situation,” Fowler said. “With the stress of the COVID pandemic lessening, we hope the community will be ready to come together for a great celebration at Christmas.”

With a goal is to have 100 singers, the joint choir will spotlight multiple groups, including a children’s choir for grades third through fifth, a men’s quartet and a solo ensemble, as well as a live orchestra accompanying.

Fowler said songs will include traditional favorites like “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “The First Noel” and “Silent Night,” along with an arrangement of “Little Drummer Boy” featuring a full drumline.

“There will also be some new songs we hope will become favorites,” Fowler added.

Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to join. Sheet music and recordings are available to assist in learning each part.

A Christmas Moment will be staged at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Russellville City Schools Auditorium. Admission will be free.

For more information call Fowler at 256-332-2065 or Weeks at 256-332-2804.