SK COMMUNITY CHOIR CREATING MEMORIES DURING A MORNING OF SONG IN TOOWOOMBA

Esk Community Choir at the Salvation Army Hall in Toowoomba July 2015

For a Choir approaching the 38th year of its journey, it is not easy to still be creating 'Firsts'.   Concerts sung  from the backs of hay wagons to stellar performances in places including  the Sydney Opera House, magnificent  St Paul's Cathedral  in London and Budapest's Matthias have all been new and life-changing experiences gone to plan with Alexis doing what she does so well,  directing her Choir.  However, on Tuesday, July 7th, it was but a virulent little flu bug which  became the cause of yet another 'First' when for once on a performance day, Alexis was confined to bed and Kathleen, with little notice,  was called to sub for her, confidently and competently filling the breach at Toowoomba's Salvation Army Church.

And so it was from the inspiring words of "Open the Gates of the Temple", led by Bob Hardy's sublime opening solo, to the uplifting finalé from ' Les Misérables', "Do You Hear the People Sing" prefaced by the poignant harmonies from the trio of Kathleen, Bob and Nola, that the Choir gave their all to a wonderfully appreciative audience who filled the delightful Church on an equally delightful Winter's morning in Toowoomba. 

Few could not have been moved by Roland Cox's reverential rendition of Malotte's "The Lord's Prayer" nor Eric Von Nida's emotive performance of "Enemy of Apathy". Put to music, this is a beautiful poem which speaks of the Holy Spirit in the feminine gender.    Many memories and goose bumps surely would have been stirred during Bob Hardy's warm and tender performance of "Bluebird of Happiness" and Carolyn and Lloyd Kings' heart- tugging love montage from 'Les Misérables' was delivered with the sensitivity its words evoke.  As always, the musical gifts of Margaret Philp on piano and Suzanne Clemence on flute, individually and together added another depth of beauty to the Choir's performance.

 

Roland Cox  presenting 'The Lord's Prayer' supported by the Choir for the Amen.

Neither a first, nor, it is hoped a last, was the presence of Mr Bernie Snepp, a staunch supporter and friend of the Choir who has been giving the gift of his talents behind his recording device for 28 years, allowing the Choir to sound like the Choir they strive to be and putting that sound on CD for all to share for posterity.  Bernie, at the tender age of 88, now somewhat restricted with his mobility, has decided to go into early retirement.  His offer to record the Choir's performance on this day was both humbling and appreciated as was his own reaction on receiving the Choir's token of their gratitude and love.

 

Bernie Snepp - baptism of kisses

The sharing of music and singing is so much a part of what this Choir is about and to have been able to give this gift to Eva, her band of willing and welcoming 'Angels' and to such an appreciative audience at Toowoomba's Salvation Army was also a gift in return.

by: Sue Walker