Dukes of Kent Barbershop chorus director Perry Jackson and the Port Williams Elementary School Choir lead the audience in a Christmas carol singalong during the barbershoppers’ concert “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like . . .” in the PWES gymnasium Dec. 8. The choir, in its first public concert, sang two pieces on their own and three with the well-known local group.
Sylvia Jacquard
Port Williams news
by Sylvia Jacquard (542-1203)
The PWES Choir performed its first public concert recently when they sang with the Dukes of Kent Barbershop chorus in their “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like . . .” concert held at the school Dec. 8. Two performances were given, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.
The Dukes were dressed in a delightful variety of winter and Christmas apparel: seasonal sweaters, an old fur coat, Santa hats, an elf hat, top hats, snowman glasses and many colours and design of scarves. Port Williams residents Jerry Atwater and John Doering are members of the group.
The songs were tied together by the device of a Grandfather (Dukes’ member Dave Parsons) telling his children (choir members Robin Lauzon, Ethan Morrison and Johanna Gates) about what the Christmas season was like when he was a boy. The first act began with “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and, four songs later, ended with “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
The choir sang “Time for Acceptance and Love” and the amusing “Waiting Patiently for Santa” (by local musician Donna Rhodenizer). They also, with Dukes’ director Perry Jackson, led the audience in a Christmas carol singalong.
The second act was composed of Christmas carols, the final two of which the choir sang with the Dukes. The concert concluded with the two groups singing, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
The 35 students, in Grades 1-5, practice weekly and are directed by the school’s music teacher Olivia Frampton. Their accompanist is Kim MacLeod. They were also dressed very festively with red bows and green velvet sashes accenting their white shirts and dark pants/skirts.
I enjoyed the concert very much. The Dukes sing with great energy and expression and the choir’s songs were sung beautifully.
The Cogswell skate will take place at the Acadia Arena Sat., Dec. 29 from 2:45-3:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
The blood donor clinic for our area will be held in a different location this time: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kentville.
The first session is Thurs., Dec. 27 from 1-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. and Fri., Dec. 28 from 9-11 a.m. You can book an appointment by calling 1-888-2 DONATE (236-6283) or just drop in. Remember to bring ID with your full names and signature of full name and photo. New donors welcome.
The Fire Department will hold a New Year’s Eve Dance. Tickets are $25 per couple and are available at The Wharf Store or from any firefighter.
