Frances Hackley, Publicity Chair
The Robson Ranch Community Choir is all astir and warming up to sing of Christmas joy. The choir had an amazing Veterans Day Concert on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. They performed two concerts for a warm and enthusiastic crowd, though the temperature turned frosty. One could just reach out and touch the love and pride expressed through song for our service men and women. We thank all who participated and enjoyed the glorious tribute.
Now the choir is hard at work readying for the annual Christmas Concert in just five short weeks. This amazing group of singers are rehearsing for this year’s concert titled “Christmas at the Ranch”. Of course, all efforts are under the coaching, guidance, and direction of Dr. Arturo Ortega. Accompanist Paul Lees will also be on hand as well as a wonderful assortment of musicians for this special program of holiday carols and songs. The first carols were sung thousands of years ago. They were originally pagan and sung during the winter solstice, usually around the 22nd of December, the shortest day of the year. The carols were sung to bring a little joy to the otherwise dark and dreary days of winter. Carol actually means song of dance or song of praise and joy. They were sung at first for the beginning of each season but soon the tradition faded. Then in 129 a Roman bishop decide they should be songs of Christmas and called some of them hymns. In the 700’s, carols began to be written all across Europe but because they were only in Latin folks soon lost interest. Then St Francis of Assisi, in the 1200’s introduced the Canticles that told stories in plays. The choruses in these stories had new carols written and were catchy. Easy to understand, they caught on and spread across Europe. Earliest carols date back to 1410, loosely based on the Christmas story about the holy family and were seen as entertaining rather than religious.
Selections you will find familiar, like “Away in a Manger”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “The First Noel”, and “White Christmas” will be performed and are certain crowd pleasers. Others, as “The Sleigh”, “Peace, Peace, Peace”, and “What Sweeter Music” you may not recognize by title but your ear will soon remember the tune very quickly. So, it is with Christmas joy the Robson Ranch Choir will present to the Ranch it’s timeless selection of Christmas songs and carols in celebration of this magical Christmas season. Please come and enjoy on either Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. or Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available beginning Dec. 2 in the lobby of the Clubhouse every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9-11 a.m. through the 20th. Tickets will also be available at the door for $12 on the day of the performance. This is a wonderful concert just minutes from your front door, and you don’t need to pay for parking. Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to come especially since Santa will be making an appearance.
Also coming is a chance to audition for the spring season. Auditions will be Sunday, Jan. 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the ballroom of the clubhouse. Contact Linda Stuart, 940-262-3471, [email protected] for an appointment. For information and upcoming events go to the website rrmusicclub.com.