Anyone who is looking for an opportunity to briefly escape the rigors of their everyday schedule, improve their quality of life, and just plain have fun, is invited to be a part of the Depot Lane Singers as the group begin preparing for its 2016 spring concert programs.  The concert theme for spring will be “Away We Go — Songs of Transportation and Travel.”

The Depot Lane Singers are a community chorus of 60 to 70 members, based in Schoharie.  Rehearsals for the spring concert programs will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and will be held at the Depot Lane Theatre building in Schoharie, beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

Included in this year’s concert will be several old favorites, including “Let’s Get Away From It All,” “Sentimental Journey,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Moon River,” and “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home.”  Additional selections will include James Taylor’s “Lonesome Road” and a presentation of the Beach Boys’ popular hit “Little Deuce Coupe.”  The humorous “Erie Canal Boogie” is sure to put a smile on the Singers’ faces.

The Singers will present two performances of the program.  Concerts are scheduled for Friday, May 6, at the Duanesburg Reformed Presbyterian Church, and Saturday, May 7, at Schoharie High School.  Both concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Depot Lane Singers were founded in 1979 by the late Frances B. Tripp after she retired from teaching music at Schoharie High School.  Currently under the baton of Artistic Director/Conductor Mitch Haverly, the Singers are in their 37th concert season.  The chorus is accompanied by Benjamin April.

The Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association sponsors the Singers, and a portion of the proceeds from their programs are given to the association.

The Depot Lane Singers encourage anyone who enjoys singing to join the group.  Students who are in ninth grade or above are also invited to sing.  Although there are no auditions and experience is not required, it should be noted that the chorus sings in harmonies that can include up to eight separate parts.  Practice CDs are provided to assist singers in learning the music.

Anyone wishing to join the Singers must be in attendance on Tuesday, Jan. 19. If you need more information or cannot make the first rehearsal, please contact Haverly by phone at 872-2682 or by email at HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" .

Editor’s note: Robert A. Holt is president of the Depot Lane Singers.