Upper Country Singers Get Ready for Annual Concert
The Upper Country Singers will present their annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. at the Exhibit Hall at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Cambridge. This annual holiday performance is a chance for the Upper Country Singers to showcase seasonal favorites in a festive environment.
“We completely transform the exhibit hall,” said Choir Director Debbie Warren. “It’s beautiful when we get it all decorated.” The members of the choir all pitch in to make this annual community event special.
“The choir members do it all,” said Warren. “They decorate, they bring the cookies, they clean up afterwards.”
Warren has seen Upper Country Singers expand in membership over the years.
“This year is probably the largest choir that I’ve ever directed,” said Warren. This season’s choir boasts 45 members, including Warren and her pianist. The Upper Country Children’s Choir will join the performance, showcasing their own seasonal repertoire and joining the adult choir on certain songs. The children’s choir is directed by Laurel Sherman.
“They sing and dance and do sign language,” said Warren. The children’s choir spans a large age range, from the very young to teens.
Some of the Christmas songs that will be showcased on Sunday include “Sleigh Ride,” “Silver Bells,” and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.” Cookies, supplied by choir members, will be served during intermission. There will be coffee and water stations. All refreshments are complimentary, but donations are gratefully accepted.
“We have donation sacks on the tables,” said Warren. The Upper Country Singers have expenses that must be paid for, including the costs for renting lighting and sound equipment, and the costs for purchasing sheet music.
Despite these operating expenses, Upper Country Singers has enjoyed significant community support, and many community members and organizations have contributed to making the annual Christmas Concert a memorable holiday event. The Cambridge School District donates their risers to use during the performance, and the choir rehearses at Midvale School District’s Community Room.
“The community has been generous,” said Warren.
This annual Christmas concert attracts upwards of 350 people.
“During intermission, it’s fun to listen to how loud it gets because people are really enjoying visiting,” said Warren. “It’s a huge event for our community.”
This year, the concert also falls on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Upper Country Singers will be acknowledging this historic day during the performance.
“We will be honoring the memory of Pearl Harbor day,” said Warren.
The Upper Country Singers always welcome new members. There is no charge to join the choir, and auditions are not required. The choir begins rehearsals the Monday after Labor Day. The Christmas Concert is Upper Country Singer’s culminating event.
“We rehearse every Monday evening until the performance,” said Warren. “It’s a big commitment.”
The choir attracts members from Payette to Council.
“They are coming from all over,” said Warren, “which is amazing to me.”
This year Warren is expecting as many as 400 to attend the Christmas Concert.
“We’ve had people travel up from Boise to see it,” said Warren. “People would show up the minute I opened the door because they wanted to get the best seat.”
“Let it Be Christmas,” featuring Upper Country Singers, Upper Country Children’s Choir, and special guests begins at 3:00 p.m. on December 7 at the Exhibit Hall at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Cambridge. Admission is free; donations are accepted. The audience can begin seating at 2:00 p.m. For more info about joining Upper Country Singers or for more information about the Christmas Concert, contact Debbie Warren at: (208) 866-7583.
