Approximately 60 Sweet Home residents will perform Christmas music for the community in the annual Singing Christmas Tree program Dec. 1-3.
The theme is “The Sounds of Christmas,” featuring such songs as “Jazzy Jingle Bells,” favorite “Ave Maria” and “Silent Night” in English and German.
“It’s probably as big as it’s been most years,” Singing Christmas Tree Board Member Shirley Austin said. “We’ve got a lot of new faces this year and a really good men’s section.”
An ensemble of about a dozen singers will perform a winter-time medley. The ensemble includes Sherry Johnston, Molly Laycock, Janee Martin, Jay Kimball, Linda Rowton, Jody Seward, Kathy Burnett, Brenda Funk, Susan Olson, Debbie Scofield, John Kluttz, Paul Rowton Jr. and Tony Steinbacher. A 23-member children’s choir will be directed by Deb Cooley. Other performances include the family trio George, David and Clifford Dominy, a duet by David and Corinne Dominy and a solo by Deb Cooley.
Preparation and practice for the Singing Christmas Tree started in early September with many volunteer hours. A number of community groups help out. The Kiwanis Club secures fir boughs each year for the event, and volunteers put the tree together.
“It’s our gift to the community,” Austin said. There is no charge for admission. The event relies solely on donations and sponsorships.
Persons interested in donating to the Singing Christmas Tree may mail them to the SHSCT, P.O. Box ???, Sweet Home, OR 97386 or drop them off in the lobby during the performance.
A quilt with squares done by members of the tree will be raffled during the third day of the performance.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the Sweet Home High School Auditorium.
The Singing Christmas Tree is directed by Paul Rowton Sr. Accompanists are Bill Langdon and Jan Barthell. The Singing Christmas Tree Board of Directors includes Chairman Sue Olson, Vice Chairman Susan Thompson, Secretary-Treasurer Sherry Johnston, Austin, Linda Rowton and Paul Rowton Sr.