It seems way too early to begin thinking about the winter holiday season in September.
But that's just what members of the Depot Lane Singers will be doing in September, as they begin to prepare for their December winter concerts.
"Joys of the Season" will be the theme of this year's program, and new members are encouraged to join.
The Depot Lane Singers are a community chorus of 60 to 70 members, based in Schoharie.
Rehearsals for the winter concert programs will begin on Tuesday, September 6, and will be held at the Depot Lane Theatre building in Schoharie, beginning at 7:30pm.
Music to be performed at the December concerts will feature two very different arrangements of the popular carol "The First Noel," along with such favorites as "Silver Bells," "Baby, It's Cold Outside," "What Child is This," and "Ding Dong Merrily On High."
The concert will also include a selection from the pop a cappella singing group Pentatonix titled "That's Christmas to Me," as well as the "Sabbath Prayer" from the musical "Fiddler On The Roof," currently enjoying a revival on Broadway. There will be additional selections with styles ranging from classical to spirituals to pop, all designed to help everyone celebrate the "Joys of The Season."
The Singers will present two performances of the program. Concerts are scheduled for Friday, December 2 at the Duanesburg Reformed Presbyterian Church, and Saturday, December 3 at Schoharie High School. Both concerts will begin at 7:30pm.
The Depot Lane Singers were founded by the late Frances B. Tripp, former Schoharie High School music teacher.
Ms. Tripp organized the Singers in September of 1979, after her retirement from active teaching.
Currently under the baton of Artistic Director/Conductor Mitch Haverly, the Singers are beginning their 38th concert season of music making. The chorus is accompanied by Associate Conductor Benjamin April.
The Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association sponsors the Singers, and a portion of the proceeds from their programs are given to SCHA as part of their fund raising efforts.
The Depot Lane Singers encourage anyone who enjoys singing to join the group. Students who are in ninth grade or above are also invited to sing. Although there are no auditions and experience is not required, it should be noted that the chorus sings in harmonies that can include up to eight separate parts. Practice CD's are provided to assist singers in learning the music.
Anyone wishing more information can contact Mitch Haverly at 872-2682, or via email at mitchellh2@aol.com.