"The best to spread Christmas cheer, is to sing loud for all to hear", which many people know from the movie "Elf", but the Ashland Community Choir demonstrated that on Sunday at the Church of the Nazarene in Lavelle.
Over 300 people attended this year's concert titled, "A Gift of Love", which celebrated Christmas through old and new songs, and a few that the choir added their own twist.
The songs performed on Sunday were "What did you say was the Baby's Name", "The Wondrous Gift", "Prepare the Way", "A Gift Forever!", "See Amid the Winter's Snow", "Angels We Have Heard on High", "Go Tell It on the Mountain", "Jingle Bells Rock!", "The Christmas Song", "Gettin' in the Mood (for Christmas)", "White Christmas", "Christmas on Broadway", and "Joyful, All Ye Nations Rise!".
The 52 member choir, directed by Bruce McCormick, featured accompanist Betty Chappel, organist Susan Hawking, and included bells and a triangle as well..
The choir has been performing the concert since 1982, has lost some members, but has gained more and even now includes members outside the Ashland area.
This year's choir included members from Girardville, Williamstown, Shamokin, Hegins, Barnesville, Ringtown, Sunbury, Valley View, Zion Grove, Frackville, Mahanoy City, Pottsville, and Tamaqua.
The choir gave special thanks to the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation for a grant they received which helps the group defray the costs of music, featured artists, and donations to the churches where they practice.
(Story/Photos/Video by J. Reed /Skook News)
