One of the pleasures of the approaching season is the opportunity to enjoy live performances of seasonal music by local artists whose offerings attempt to put the listener in the “holiday spirit.”  That’s exactly the reason to plan to attend one of the special concerts presented by the Depot Lane Singers, a 60-member community chorus that rehearses in Schoharie and presents concerts around the local area.

The theme of The Depot Lane Singers’ 38th Annual Christmas Concert is “Joys of the Season.”  Performances are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 2, at the Duanesburg Reformed Presbyterian Church, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at Schoharie High School.  Both concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are available from choir members.  General admission is $7 ahead of the concert and $8 at the door; tickets cost $3 for children under 12.

Two different settings of the familiar carol “The First Noel” will be a focal point for the concerts, as will a performance of the Pentatonix recent holiday hit, “That’s Christmas To Me.”  Also on the program will be such Christmas favorites as “Ding Dong!,” “Merrily on High,” “Silver Bells,” “What Child is This?,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” and “Christmas Star” from the movie “Home Alone 2.”

In addition “The Singers” will perform several selections from past concerts, including an “Alleluia”  composed by Douglas Brenchley, “Look-a That Star” and “Tambourine Noel.”

The chorus is directed by Mitch Haverly, retired music teacher from Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central Schools, who began his tenure with the Singers in September 2005.  The chorus will be accompanied by Associate Conductor Benjamin April, with assistance from Rhea Dawn Owens and Mary Jane Bianchine.  April will also conduct three selections on the program.

The Depot Lane Singers were founded in 1979 by the late Frances B. Tripp after she retired from teaching music at Schoharie High School. The Depot Lane Singers are sponsored by the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association, and a portion of the proceeds from concerts are given to the heritage association.

Victorian Holiday Celebration

In addition to their regular performances this year, the Depot Lane Singers will appear in concert as special guests of the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce, as part of the chamber’s 2016 Victorian Holiday Celebration.  The concert will be presented in the Sharon Springs High School Auditorium, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The program will feature the same selections performed at the Duanesburg and Schoharie venues.  Tickets for the Dec. 10 concert may be purchased from the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce by calling (518) 860-5513, or at the door. General admission is $8; tickets for children under 12 cost $3.

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