It is time once again for the sounds of familiar Holiday music to be heard floating over the city of Sweet Home. The community choir that has its annual Christmas time presentation known as the SWEET HOME SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE will begin music rehearsals on September 16.
In September, practices are held weekly on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. at Sweet Home High School. Beginning in October, practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at the high school. Performances for the choir will be December 5, 6, and 7.
Singers from any community are welcome to join the choir. Members have lived in many Linn county cities and from as far away as Salem. Members of the choir range in age from 12 (7th grade age ) through senior citizen, the oldest member having been 81 years young. New members for the 2003 performances will be accepted through October 2, 2003. The TREE provides a babysitter, at no cost, for choir members’ convenience during practices .
The choir is operated under the business direction of a six-member Board of Directors and is a non-profit group. There is no membership fee for choir members and performances are given free of charge. Area businesses and audiences are asked to contribute by donation and the Board of Directors holds various fundraising activities throughout the year to cover production costs.
The musical director of the TREE is Paul Rowton, Sr., retired Fine Arts Department head at Sweet Home High School and 22 year director of the TREE.
The TREE is also recruiting volunteers to assist in the TREE production. Greeters, security personnel, stage hands, sound and lighting assistants, and sales associates are needed to successfully present the Holiday program in December.
Anyone interested in further information, in joining the choir, or volunteering can contact TREE Board of Directors chairperson, Sue Olson at (541) 367-4639 or email [email protected].