Chorale concert big success

Members of the Village Chorale fought hard to bring quality holiday music to the Woodlands last night. Over the last few weeks "the crud" invaded and made many members of the Chorale were sick.
As with any music there were variations, some had chills and fever, some had sore throats and ears and some just had a hacking cough that made talking impossible. Most knew the technique of singing over the ailment and that is just what they did. Troopers one and all.
A little over an hour before the show the word went out that three of the sopranos, there were only 12 scheduled to perform and those twelve divide into first and second sopranos, were not going to make it to the concert. Two first and one second. Ouch. Luckily, the two first sopranos were able to sing and the second soprano was in the audience to cheer on everyone else.
First soprano Kay Fair Crews was the chorister that had to occasionally leave the stage to stifle a coughing fit.
The show went on and what a show. The music was delicious and I could not wait to partake. There were lush melodies, humorous rhythms and a banquet of good holiday cheer.
I did not have a favorite song which is unusual for me. They were all good.
Randy Lusk brought a little of his Cedar Mountain Singers fancy duds to the podium. He, Bill Morgan and Ione Bartells took turns conducting the group with Lusk carrying the lion's share. All three brought out different qualities the Chorale has to offer. Morgan's and Bartell's numbers were both fraught with humor but the tune that made the audience laugh out loud was Throw the Yule Log On, Uncle John arranged by Peter Schickele.
Dave Major stepped in this year as the emcee. Ron Petti was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment. Unfortunately, Ron's voice has been impacted by the cancer and the treatment. His dulcet tones were missed. Dave bravely stepped into Ron's shoes and segued the music with tidbits about the pieces or composers.
The Chorale was accompanied by pianist Nikki Saltmarsh with occasional assists by Fran Stroud. These ladies are the dynamic duo. They added flavor to the music. Nikki accompanies be Chorale at all their rehearsals. Also on board, percussionist Lee Beach. This was Lee's third year to join the Chorale on the drums. He peps up the musical selections for the audience and the Chorale members.
The concert was well attended and everyone enjoyed the music, including me.