Community Twinkle

By Donna Bennett

They are Back!

I am not sure which sparkle in the eye inspires me most. Is it the 5-year-old who just stares up at me with an amazing twinkle and budding smile when we are learning the action song “I Am a Pizza” or is it the glow of the adults listening to their first sounds together as a group after two and a half years of silence. The Westben choirs are back, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The 38 concerts this summer and Fall were amazing, and seeing the audience back felt like a family reunion. Also seeing 38% new people this summer and 67% new attendees this Fall was an unexpected joy. However, the Westben choirs feel like a family, similar to the Westben volunteer core. 82 people singing together as one is a special place to go and explore and I believe a definitive expression of community. The goal of the Cookie choir, ages 5, 6 and 7 is simply to have fun with music while exploring rhythm and melody through action songs and rhythm instruments. And oh yes, “the skunk sat on a stump and thunk the stump thunk but the stump thunk the skunk stunk”. Say that 3 times and you’re in!

The Youth, Teen and Adult Festival choruses are busy building up their vocal skills and working toward a new Christmas concert with performances taking place in The Barn on Saturday December 3 at 2 pm and Sunday, December 4 at 2 pm. Joining in the fun are special guests, Warkworth’s own Stratford and Shaw actors Chick Reid and Tom McCamus, sharing some wonderful stories of the season.

I invite you to put on your warm coat, hat, boots and mitts, bring a blanket and join us in The Barn for this hour-long, heart-warming Christmas concert complete with complimentary hot apple cider and cookies waiting for you. Don’t miss the return of one of our favourite events for the whole family! For tickets and information visit westben.ca or call the Westben Box Office 705 653 5508.

But I’m also looking ahead and dreaming of the day we can hold choir and many other new exploratory and creative programs at the Schoolhouse; musical activities for all ages. Thanks to the many generous donors of the Schoolhouse capital campaign, Westben has been able to make some improvements such as a new well, securing the basement wall, electrical upgrades and many other practical and necessary upgrades. But I’m hoping team Schoolhouse can get to graduation of stage one and start stage two where we can make the whole Schoolhouse a community meeting place full of music and laughter. We have completed 71% of stage one so we are almost ready to graduate. Join team Schoolhouse and come and ring the bell!