Coshocton Community Choir to share Christmas concert

The 70-voice Coshocton Community Choir, which includes auditioned singers from 11 Ohio counties, will share its Christmas concert, “The Work of Christmas,” Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at River View High School, 26496 OH-60, Warsaw.

Admission is free for the 90-minute concert that includes the Coshocton Youth Chorale, The Coshocton Singers, The Roscoe Brass and additional instrumentalists, and it will feature a selection of sacred choral music including arrangements and settings of familiar hymns, classical and popular works, spirituals and more.

"We are thrilled to be returning to River View High School this year for this concert and to get to perform in their newly renovated auditorium," said Josh Chaney, president of the Coshocton Community Choir. "We know audience members will also greatly appreciate the updates at the auditorium including new seating, lighting and acoustics. Admission is free for the concert, and a freewill offering will be accepted to help meet the expenses involved in preparing for concerts and carrying out the nonprofit organization’s mission."

The Coshocton Community Choir was organized in 1971 by Charles R. Snyder, an accomplished Ohio teacher, choral conductor and church musician.

"This is our 55th season," Snyder said. "The average life span for a community ensemble like this is seven years, so for us to survive eight times that is remarkable and not possible without the support of this community. When I started the choir, I was 7 — just kidding. I never dreamed it would continue and thrive all these years later."

Snyder said he is always looking for new lenses through which to view the Christmas story.

"This theme is a viewpoint we haven't explored before," he said. "That first Christmas, everyone was working. From Mary to the shepherds to the angels, they were all hard at work. The work of Christmas that began that night is not done yet. There are still opportunities for us to do the work of Christmas through acts of kindness and love."

At this year’s concert, the choir will invite the audience to join in singing several carols including "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World!"

"I think you will enjoy 'The Shepherd's Story,'" Snyder said. "I learned it in my first year in college at Capital University, and hearing the three soloists gave me goosebumps. While it was written in 1913, I expect the three solos and the full community choir to be epic."

A few other pieces of note include "Mary Did You Know?," "On Christmas Night," "Lift Up Your Heads" from "Messiah" and Garry Cornell's "One Perfect Flower." The community choir also will surround the audience for the traditional Christmas concert blessing, "Stay With Us."

"We are grateful to Dick Hoover and his many years of crafting our narration," Snyder said. "When he was unable to write it this year, we asked Pastor Deb Quillen from Grace United Methodist Church to do it. She is also a member of the choir. She tackled this project with great energy, and I think you will be inspired by her words and thoughts.

“There's a feeling of joy to see parents, grandparents, choir alumni and friends from over the years. I think you will appreciate our concert at River View High School. No climbing steps — in the parking lot or inside. The acoustics of River View is ‘live’ and especially so in their renovated auditorium — which should allow everyone to hear well. The singing of carols with the choirs and The Roscoe Brass and timpani will be thrilling.”

Snyder said he and the choir hope this concert will be a break for concertgoers from "the work" of getting ready for Christmas.

"We want it to recharge your batteries and fill your soul," he said. "May it help you do all the things on your to-do list in such a way that your work of Christmas is done with renewed enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing you and singing for you."

For more information about the choir and upcoming concerts, visit www.CoshoctonCommunityChoir.org or call 740-623-0554.