Published: November 19, 2009 02:31 pm      

Community Chorus back for more holiday merriment

The Cumberland County Community Chorus is back again for more holiday merriment! Director Martin D. Gibson, better known as Marty, has long traveled the choral music road since graduating with a BS in music education from Tennessee Tech University, with a special emphasis in choral/vocal music. Gibson was a former music educator/choral director at Cumberland County High School where his choirs consistently ranked as members of All-State and All-East Tennessee choruses. Currently he directs the choirs at Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church, and leads the praise and worship music group there as well. To add to this hectic schedule, he also shares his versatility by teaching many students to play the guitar. For this year’s listening entertainment, Gibson has selected a variety of pieces to challenge the chorus as well as appeal to the audience. Musically speaking, the holiday fun, the secular and sacred pieces have been tested by the singers and the singers say, " Yes, come and let music fill your hearts and spirits for this concert series!"

With the program ranging from difficult to the more humorous side, you can expect to hear tunes such as “The Dinner Bell Carol,” a zany spoof to the ever-popular “Carol of the Bells.” You will also hear selections of a more eclectic nature such as the lovely Hispanic traditional carol “A La Ru” and an “African Alleluia” which are not to be missed. Adding the more serious notes, the audience will be thrilled to hear some familiar favorites like “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and a lovely rendition of “Angels We Have Heard On High,” along with the Randall Thompson "Alleluia."

Members of the chorus won’t neglect to mention their outstanding accompanist, Ann Looney who has sacrificed her time to accompany the CCCC again this year. Looney comes to the group with a strong background in piano, which culminated with a BS in music education from the University of Tennessee. Long standing, she has taught many students to play the piano and has accompanied church choirs for years. During each concert, members also look forward to her lively and expert delivery of a piano interlude while the choristers rest their vocal chords!

So, you faithful followers of great choral music, and those who would like to be, mark your calendars for the following times and locations:

• Saturday, Dec. 5 — 3 p.m. at Crossville First United Methodist Church

• Sunday, Dec. 6 — 7 p.m. at Fairfield Glade Community Church

• Monday, Dec. 7 — 7 p.m. at Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church