Christmas cantata is back

I
n December 2016, the Community Cantata Choir gave its last performance and had to take a hiatus due to extenuating circumstances. The concert did not return in 2017. While the choir had hoped to be back in 2018, the entire board of directors was struggling with personal and physical situations that prevented its return. These situations included the loss of the director and pianist. 
However, that time and the wait is over. I am pleased to announce that the cantata choir is roaring back this year. The Christmas concert is scheduled to take place in Crouch auditorium on Dec. 15. The cantata is an organization that exists for and by the community. It is strictly a volunteer group, and participation is much appreciated. Along with the Newcastle Bell Choir, we will be bringing the story of the birth of Jesus Christ through song, as a celebration of the life of our Lord and Savior.
I want to tell you how this came back because I am personally involved with this effort. When Connie and I moved to Newcastle back in October 2018, one of the first things I did was started going around town to meet anyone I could. I fell in love with the city rapidly. I knew that if I could get involved in any way in which I was qualified, then I had to. Recently Alexis Barker wrote a column on how she felt Newcastle had saved her in some way. I understand that emotion entirely because I also have a very similar feeling about the town. I love living here, and I love the people I run into every day.
One of the first people I met was Tom Voss, and we talked a great deal about many things. I let him know my past experiences, and what perked him up was the fact that I am an artist and a musician. It especially thrilled him to find out that I have been a music minister for most of my adult life and have led several choirs. So he put me in touch with Joyce Diedtrich, a board member and the former director of the choir.
I met with the board on May 6. The purpose of that meeting was for the rest of the board to meet me. After we spoke for a while, they elected me their director. Linda Russell, another board member and director of the bell choir, would play the piano to accompany this year’s cantata. This vote was more than thrilling for me. I get a great sense of well-being from several of the activities I do, such as art, singing and writing for the News Letter Journal. But of all the purposes I feel my life is about, leading a choir and leading congregational singing is at the very top. I feel whole when I do those things, and I am looking forward to helping bring our community a Christmas concert once again.
This year the choir will perform “Bethlehem’s Child,” written by Victor C. Johnson and Lloyd Larson. The first rehearsal is on the calendar for Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Christ the King Lutheran Church from 7 to 8 p.m. The address is 224 West Rd. Rehearsals will be held each Wednesday at the same time except for Nov. 27, the day before Thanksgiving.
Of course, the board can’t do this alone. We need volunteers. Anyone who would like to sing is invited to join us for this fabulous event. We are especially seeking male voices because they are typically in short supply. But we’ll take all who wish to sing. If you can, please come and participate. If you have any questions, contact me at 307-746-9462 or email me at walterdoodles.art@gmail.com.