Chorale concert spans decades

The Waseca Chorale has titled its upcoming May 10 concert “The Greatest Show.” According to director Deb Wantoch-Yess, the name has numerous meanings.

“Yes, the first and last songs are from the musical ‘The Greatest Showman,’” she observes. “The songs in between are also ‘greats’ that people from different generations will probably recognize within the first few notes.”

Group members suggest the 16 songs they’ve been practicing since February create an intergenerational time capsule of sorts; the song “100 Years,” which spotlights moments from each decade of a person’s life, aligns with the idea perfectly.

People who come from the generation when the evening’s entertainment was “whatever’s on tv” will be brought back to that time by “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz.” Of the arrangement the group will be using, Wantoch-Yess observes, “The melody is what you’d expect, but the harmony is not.”

“It’s one of my favorites,” says group member Nancy Lehman. “It’s beautiful and it lifts our spirits.”

Al Judd is pleased to be among a group of four men who have been working together to prepare “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen” in barbershop style. Wantoch-Yess describes that “barbershop” groups are traditionally four male voices with one carrying the melody and the other three harmonizing, all without accompaniment.

Judd tells of having been part of a number of barbershop groups which performed in the region; he names the Crossroads Courtmen who were active in the 1980s.

“It feels good to be doing that again,” he says. “I think the audience will really enjoy it.”

John Hoehn, co-director of the Chorale, says another way the May 10 performance will show the rising energy of spring is by the use of various groupings among the 53 members of the Chorale.

The barbershoppers, an octet, and men- and women-only numbers will mix things up a bit, he says.

“We have the stage of the performing arts center,” Wantoch-Yess points out. “It gives us the space and the flexibility to move people in and out.”

Andrew Miller says a favorite number for him is “When the Light of Morning Breaks.” 

“It makes me think of sitting in my backyard with a cup of coffee, taking in God’s creation as the light becomes brighter and gradually changes color,” he describes.

“Even just listening to the song makes me feel like I’m on vacation somewhere special.”

Deb Vetter says she has trouble choosing a favorite song because what’s special for her is the way the many songs intertwine when performed one after another.

“There are numbers from all these different decades and genres, but they go so well together it’s almost like one long, harmonious song,” she suggests. “I picture our audience members kind of floating through it with us, and each generation maybe choosing different highlights.

“It’s a new combination of things that may also be very nostalgic.”

Hoehn mentions that, as he and Wantoch-Yess considered what numbers to include in the spring concert, they were looking for a “pop” feel that would feel positive and light. They decided mixing small groups in among numbers performed by the full Chorale would add to the energy and variety, while also “pushing” Chorale members to advance their skills.

Also adding to the energy will be harmonies and accompaniments from seven high school musicians who will be adding their skills to selected numbers.

“It makes you just want to snap your fingers,” says Lehman, upon which fellow Chorale member Rita Miller chimes in, “It’s upbeat and fun. I think everyone–including us–will come away with a smile.”

“The Greatest Show” will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, in the Waseca Junior Senior High School performing arts center. Admission is $10.

Along with numbers already mentioned, “Listen to the Music,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Walking on Sunshine,” “Baby One More Time,” “The Greatest Show,” “This is Me,” and others will be included.

Members of the Chorale express gratitude to the Waseca Area Foundation, Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, and Waseca County for financial support which makes it possible for their organization to continue.