Schoharie Valley Singers Launch 47th Season with Star Light, Star Bright

CENTRAL BRIDGE – The Schoharie Valley Singers are welcoming new and returning members as they begin their 47th season this fall. Rehearsals start Tuesday, September 2, at the LDS Church, 141 Church Street in Central Bridge, from 7:00–9:00 p.m.

The season kicks off with a community potluck and meet-and-greet at 5:45 p.m. in the church cultural hall. Singers are asked to bring a place setting, beverage, and dish to share. Registration will follow at 6:30 p.m., with rehearsal beginning at 7:00 p.m.

All who love to sing are encouraged to join, from first-time singers to experienced choristers. High school students are especially welcome to participate, with no registration fee required. To take part, singers must attend the first two rehearsals; after that, enrollment will close unless prior arrangements are made with the artistic director.

This concert cycle’s theme is “Star Light, Star Bright”, featuring music that captures the wonder of the holiday season. The program will include favorites such as Sleigh Ride, Caroling, Caroling, Home for the Holidays, and Christmas on Broadway, along with classical and international selections including Randall Thompson’s Choose Something Like a Star, the Czech carol Hydom, Tiddlydom, Gaudete, Daniel Elder’s Lullaby, and more.

Performances are scheduled for:

• Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. – Central Bridge LDS Church

• Saturday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. – Duanesburg Reformed Presbyterian Church

The Schoharie Valley Singers trace their beginnings to 1979, when the late Frances B. Tripp, a former Schoharie High School music teacher, founded the group under its original name, The Depot Lane Singers, following her retirement. In 2005, leadership passed to Mitch Haverly, a retired music teacher from Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School. Thirteen years later, in 2018, the ensemble adopted the name Schoharie Valley Singers and was incorporated as an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. At that time, Middleburgh Jr./Sr. High School music teacher Benjamin April became the group’s third artistic director. After April’s resignation in 2023, the role was taken up by Rae Jean Teeter, a retired music teacher from Guilderland Central School District, who prepared the group for its winter/holiday concert as the fourth artistic director and conductor. Today, the Singers are fortunate to be guided by Teeter and supported by the musicianship of accompanist Mark Pracher.

To pre-register, go to schoharievalleysingers.org or email schoharievalleysingers@gmail.com for those wishing for more information.