PUBLISHED OCT. 20, 2016
Musical talent showcased; pantries benefit
By PHYLLIS HODGES
BILL HODGES PHOTO
“God Bless the USA,” performed by Troy Coman, Bill Barker and Follies chorus members, brought the audience to their feet.
Like to sing? Without a doubt, you can find a compatible group in Sun City Center that shares your love for music. In addition to the numerous church choirs and a couple of theatre groups, there are several community choruses continually extending invitations to new members.
Dick Tyrell, relatively new to SCC, said he was amazed at the abundance of talent and groups available here. After joining Par for the Chorus and learning more about the community, he perceived a need for more awareness and appreciation for them. That idea morphed into a fundraiser for five area food pantries on October 2; they called it A Taste of the Musical Season. Tyrell said he was very grateful to the performers who made the event a success; $1,500 and food donated by attendees were distributed to the pantries.
In one afternoon, several hundred people were treated to performances by about 200 performers representing the five major choral organizations.
Par for the Chorus is a lighthearted group whose stated purpose is to promote and preserve barbershop music, encourage good fellowship among its members and to participate in community charitable projects. The group is primarily men, but they do have women who participate in the quartets. There are no auditions for this group; the only requirement is a passion for barbershop harmony in its distinctive a cappella style. The group practices with Director Chad Shreffler every Wednesday, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church. They have a scheduled Spring Show (April 7, 2017) at United Methodist Church and also do singing valentines. Contact: Marvin Lent 813-634-6262 or David Totten 262-492-2881.
Bill Hodges Photo
“Wonderful Day” was a lighthearted number performed by Follies dancers and singers in a showcase of SCC choral opportunities October 2.
The Kings Point Mixed Chorus has both female and male members on its 50-plus member roster. They practice every Monday in the North Club in Kings Point and have two shows scheduled in the next few months. The first is a holiday show on Dec. 1, and they are especially excited about the second show of the season (April 4. 2017) because they will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. President Mary Anne Moseley said this is an exciting year with their new director, Tom Lippert, who is associate minister at the South Shore United Church of Christ. Contact: Mary Anne Moseley 813-634-8747.
The Women’s Chorus of Sun City Center is also a larger group with 50-plus members. It began as a subgroup of the SCC Woman’s Club in 1963; then in 1973, the group branched out to other women in the community and no longer was associated with the Woman’s Club. The Chorus practices at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on Thursday mornings and generally has two shows a year. Its next two performances are Dec. 4 and April 2, 2017—both at St. Andrew. This is the second year for the current director, Jeff Gordon, who is also minister of music at United Methodist Church. Contact: Janet Warren 813-634-6692.
The Sun City Center Men’s Chorus has also been performing since 1963 and often jokes in its introduction that it is the “oldest youth group in SCC.” This group holds the distinction of being invited to sing at the Tampa Bay Rays game in St. Petersburg for the past three years. The chorus has about 35 members, and President Bob Garrod is proud of the group’s ability to attract talented singers. With Director Lynn Hershfeld and Piano Accompanist Claire Hadley, they perform at various South Shore events. Shows in December are: Dec. 5, Shriners Childrens Christmas (Hide Away Mobile Homes); Dec. 11, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church; Dec. 18, Riverside Club (Ruskin); and Dec. 20, Freedom Plaza. They rehearse on Wednesdays at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Contact: Bob Garrod 813-634-4110
The Kings Point Follies offers numerous opportunities to display various musical talents. Rose Ostrander, Follies director, brought some Follies performers to participate in the Oct. 2 showcase. They sang, danced and presented “Big Spender” in the form of a skit. This group ended the show with a beautiful rendition of “God Bless the USA,” led by Troy Coman and Bill Barker, which brought the audience to their feet. Ostrander announced that the Follies dates for 2017 are March 10 and 11. She invites anyone interested to attend auditions for the chorus Dec. 17 at Veterans Theater in Kings Point. Auditions for soloists and comics will follow on Jan. 7. Contact: Rose Ostrander 813-777-5964.
There are common threads that run through these groups; they have a passion for music and are willing to spend time and effort to pursue it. The social aspect of spending time with others who share that passion is a bonus. And they all emphasize that you don’t have to be a headliner to be a member of the group. As with every team, there are the all-stars and the all-important support players. Join a team; you will brighten your life and the lives of those around you.
