It seems way too early to begin thinking about the winter holiday season in September.  But that’s just what members of the Depot Lane Singers will be doing as they begin to prepare for their December winter concerts.  “Joys of the Season” will be the theme of this year’s program, and new members are encouraged to join.

The Depot Lane Singers are a community chorus of 60 to 70 members, based in Schoharie. Rehearsals for the winter concert programs will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and will be held at the Depot Lane Theatre building in Schoharie, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Music to be performed at the December concerts will feature two very different arrangements of the popular carol “The First Noel,” along with such favorites as “Silver Bells,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “What Child is This,” and “Ding Dong Merrily On High.”

The concert will also include a selection from the pop a cappella singing group Pentatonix titled “That’s Christmas to Me,” as well as the “Sabbath Prayer” from the musical “Fiddler On The Roof,” currently enjoying a revival on Broadway.  There will be additional selections with styles ranging from classical to spirituals to pop, all designed to help everyone celebrate the “Joys of The Season.”

The Singers will present two performances of the program.  Concerts 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.

The Depot Lane Singers were founded in 1979 by the late Frances B. Tripp, after she retired from teaching music at Schoharie High School. Mitch Haverly is now the group’s conductor and artistic director. The chorus is accompanied by Associate Conductor Benjamin April.

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

The Depot Lane Singers encourages anyone who enjoys singing to join the group.  Students who are in ninth grade or older are 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 more information may contact Haverly by phone at (518) 872-2682, or by email at mitchellh2@aol.com.

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