The SCC Men’s Chorus is honored to be invited to sing at the Rays game on April 6 for the second year. They are also practicing for their annual concert in SCC on April 10. Bill Hodges photos.
For the second year, the Sun City Center Men’s Chorus was honored with an invitation to sing at a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, on Wednesday, April 6. With the visiting team from Canada, they will sing the national anthem of both countries: “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “O Canada.”
“So far,” said Chorus President Bob Garrod, “we are the only Sun City Center chorus to be invited to perform at a Rays game.”
It is a special-event Rays day—Senior Prom Old Timers Day. A “prom king and queen” will be selected from the largest group; there will be giveaways (seat cushions and hats); and hot dogs will be $2.
Tickets can be purchased through March 30 at the Community Association ticket kiosk in the Central Campus Atrium (Monday, Wednesday, Friday — 9 a.m. to noon) and at the Kings Point North Clubhouse on Thursdays 10 a.m. to noon or by calling 319-481-7896. The $35 ticket price covers $15 for the game and $20 bus transportation.
The CA sold more than 400 tickets and chartered six buses last year. According to Garrod, ticket sales are again brisk and members are grateful to the SCC Men’s Club for helping with promotion.
“We are pleased to support the chorus with this,” said President Art Smith. “Our members responded enthusiastically and quickly; we have already filled one bus.”
The chorus has 35 members, which is more than double its number five years ago. Garrod attributes the club’s growth to several factors. He cited the higher recognition this year due to their Rays appearance last year and their 10 to 12 performances this year at various events.
Garrod is proud of the group’s ability to attract talented singers, which he says is raising the quality of the group. Members are primarily residents of SCC but that is not a prerequisite. Rehearsals begin in September for their September through April season, but they welcome new singers any time. (Chorus contact: 813-634-4110.)
Accompanist Claire Hadley is an integral member of the group at their performances. She will not be accompanying them at the game, however, since they will be singing a cappella.
Garrod also sends kudos to Chorus Director Lynn Hirshfeld, who has been with the chorus for three years. Music has always been important to Hirshfeld; he directed church choirs in Ohio some 20 years before moving to Sun City Center. Both men acknowledge Claire Hadley, their accompanist, as a real asset for the group. Hadley also has also been with the group for three years. Like Hirshfeld, music has been a big part of her life. She started accompanying her church choir in Minnesota when she was 15 and later taught grade school music, both choral and instrumental.
SCC has had a Men’s Chorus for more than 50 years. It has a long history of sharing the men’s vocal talents with the community. After the Rays appearance, the chorus’ next big event is its annual concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. There is no admission charge, and it is open to the public.
