Locals shine in Christmas Concert and Sing Along

Last Friday’s annual Community Christmas Concert and Sing Along highlighted the talents of local residents.

The evening’s event is a collaboration with several local congregations, highlighting the musical and instrumental skills of individuals living within the Plains valley. 

The concert took place at the Plains Bible Chapel in Plains and has grown in popularity each year, with this year having over 150 in attendance. 

Plains Bible Chapel’s Paster Rich Culbertson commented about the concert, “It’s a wonderful time for the community to come together and to be able to share their talents and praise our King.” 

Jeanine Croft, the director and organizer of the concert, said planning is a three-month process, finding singers and musicians, and putting together the event. 

This year Hannah and Melissa Olson as well as Aiyanna Voetberg sang for the first time in the choir. The choir consisted of 20 members with six musicians accompanying and singing throughout the evening. 

Twenty-one songs were performed, with one involving the audience. Each of the audience members were given an assignment pertaining to one of the "12 days of Christmas" and stood up and sang their song of the day. 

“All the things we were worried about went well. We had great participation with the "12 Days of Christmas." I loved to see the audience get involved with that,” Croft commented. 

During the song, Thistle Hair the Christmas Bear, 2-year-old Titus French, with microphone in hand, and his mom Kate French by his side, sang along with the 20-member choir. The piano duet was performed by Anaelle and Ailie Avilla. 

At the conclusion of the concert, light snacks prepared by Debbie Linborg and friends were offered to the attendees. 

At the conclusion of the concert Croft said, “The turnout was awesome and growing every year.” 

Attendee Rachel Largent said, “I thought the singing was beautiful. I am in the true spirit of Christmas now. I’m ready for Christmas.”

Mark your calendars for next year's performance on Dec. 6.

    Jeanine Croft directs the audience during their participation with the song "12 Days of Christmas." (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Choir members sing the opening song during of the Community Christmas Concert. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Anaelle and Allie Avilla play a piano duet. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)