Depot Lane Singers begin 37th season

SCHOHARIE — The Depot Lane Singers, a 70-voice community chorus based in Schoharie, is looking for singers to join them for winter concerts as it begins its 37th season. Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and will be held at the Depot Lane Theatre building in Schoharie, starting at 7:30 p.m.  All singers are expected to be at the first rehearsal.

Concerts are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, at the Duanesburg Reformed Presbyterian Church, and Saturday, Dec. 5, at Schoharie High School.  Both concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. 

“What Sweeter Music” will be the concert theme for 2015.  Music will include familiar Christmas songs such as “Lo How a Rose” and “Ring Those Christmas Bells,” along with seldom heard gems like “There is Faint Music” and the beautiful “Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain.”

Two separate settings of the 16th-Century poem “What Sweeter Music” will open each half of the concert.  Several selections will feature the addition of an antiphonal choir singing in different parts of each concert venue.

The Depot Lane Singers was founded in 1979 by the late Frances B. Tripp, after she retired from teaching music at Schoharie High School.

The chorus is currently directed by Mitch Haverly, retired from teaching music at Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School. Haverly began his tenure with the Singers in September of 2005, and begins his 11th year as conductor of the group.  This year, the chorus will be accompanied by Benjamin April, with assistance from Mary Jane Bianchine.

The Depot Lane Singers are sponsored by the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association, and a portion of the proceeds from its programs is given to the association to assist with its fundraising. 

The Singers encourage anyone who enjoys singing to join the group.  “Even though singing in four-part harmony can be a challenge, it can also be great fun and is very rewarding,” organizers said. Practice CDs are made available for singers to assist them as they learn their individual parts.

Students who are in at least the ninth grade are eligible to sing.  Anyone wishing more information may contact Haverly by phone at 872-2682, or by email at .

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