Duane Hicks
Move over, Fort Frances Choraliers–there’s some “new kids” in town.
The “Hallett Hall Choraliers,” a singing group comprised of Rainycrest residents, will perform their third-annual Christmas concert there this Wednesday (Dec. 13) at 2 p.m.
Director Diane Maxey said the group, which has been practising once a week for the past six weeks, will be singing nine holiday tunes for fellow residents, family, and friends who come out to their concert.
“They are very, very excited,” Maxey assured.
“They are enthusiastic. They’re watching me, they’re really involved,” she added.
“That’s what I love about them–they’ve taken this seriously.
“And I’m excited for them,” Maxey enthused. “There’s not a lot of volume, but they’re singing and excited.
“That’s the best I can ask for.”
Maxey noted the choraliers first got together after one of the residents, Joe Gervais, asked her to start a choir there.
The group since has grown to include about 25 members–and while not all of them are always singing, noted Maxey, they’re nonetheless proud to be up in front of an audience.
“We are like a little family. They look forward to my coming each week,” she remarked.
“It’s just great . . . it’s grown into something kind of cool.”
Maxey added the residents having their own choir is all about “bringing them together in a different way.”
“It’s a very small group of people who just want to do something special at Rainycrest,” reasoned Maxey, who also is a Rainycrest Auxiliary member and spends a fair amount of time volunteering there.
“It’s very emotional for me,” she noted. “I’ve lost a few [singers] over the last three years.
“Last year, I lost two in one year. It’s hard to see them go,” she admitted.
“To have this opportunity is very special for me.”
Family and friends are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
In other news, the Fort Frances Choraliers will perform its Christmas cantata, this year entitled “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” this Sunday (Dec. 10) at 3 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in International Falls.
Admission is a free-will offering.
Meanwhile, Maxey said the cantata performance this past Sunday at the Townshend Theatre here, which also included a fundraiser bake sale, went “very, very well.”
“The response was so remarkable,” she enthused. “We do struggle to get funds, and people are very, very generous.
“We were very thrilled.”
The Fort Frances Choraliers also will perform for Rainycrest residents on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1:30 p.m.
