The iconic Christmas scene of yore wouldn’t be complete without the image of the tight pack of Christmas carolers standing on a doorstep with sheet music in hand.
But for the women who sing in the Tri City Sound Chorus, a local chapter of the Sweet Adelines International, they ask locals who want to hear their renditions of the holiday classics to come to them. The barbershop-style chorus will perform its Christmas Show on Dec. 14. The concert is an annual tradition of more than a decade, chorus director Barbara Nigh told the Sun.
“We decided that we would invite guests to come and sing with us at Christmas,” Nigh said. “And of course part of it is with the hopes that they will end up wanting to join so that they can be part of the chorus, but part of it is just to share our love of barbershop singing and get to meet new people and so forth.”
The Tri City Sound Chorus meets every Thursday until the concert, Nigh explained, to rehearse. Local women are invited to join the chorus for rehearsals, she said, to sing in the show.
The group is always welcoming to newcomers, explained Lyndell Penny, the event coordinator for the Christmas Show and a 23-year member of the chorus. Any newcomers can join a section and learn the songs, she said, and longtime members will always lend a helping voice.
“It’s a terrific way to spend time and learn about music, and we always like to tease and say it keeps us out of the bars,” Penny said. “We educate everyone about music, and once you get started it makes you want to stay.”
The Christmas Show isn’t the only concert the ensemble does throughout the year, Penny explained. The chorus performed for Santa Maria’s Celebration of Life event on Nov. 8, for local seniors and their families.
But there’s something special about the Christmas Show, Penny explained. It’s warm and fuzzy, like the red sweaters the chorus members wear at the concert each year.
“Music plays such a large part around the holidays, with the festivities,” she said. “The Christmas music is so special, and we love to share it.”
The group has a few new faces as of recently, Nigh explained, as well as returning members of the chorus. They’re preparing many Christmas classics, she said, including famous secular songs like “Winter Wonderland,” “Let it Snow,” and “Sleigh Ride.” They’ve also included some songs new to the ensemble, like “Mele Kalikimaka.”
The classic Christmas hymns or carols are a big part of the show as well, Nigh explained, which include audience sing-alongs.
“People enjoy being able to participate,” she said. “To entertain the community, make people happy, bring them joy, that’s my favorite part of the whole thing, is being able to sing for people and hopefully bring some joy to their day.”
Everyone has a favorite Christmas song, but the Tri City Sound Chorus won’t perform Penny’s favorite, “Silent Night,” until the last number of the Christmas Show.
“It’s just one of those beautiful songs that goes on forever,” she said.
The Christmas Show, which the chorus’ members call the “Friends and Family” concert, is a cherished tradition for many of the members, Penny said. Everyone is welcome, but longtime and new members get to share the experience with those close to them, she explained.
“You have the same feelings about the songs and you share your memories when you sing these songs,” she said. “A lot of people sing at home with their family some of these same songs, so when you get to sing them out in public … for your family and friends, it becomes a very special occasion.”
Managing Editor Joe Payne knows a Christmas tune or two. Contact him at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Nov 16-23, 2017.