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'CELEBRATE' the end of an era
December 7, 2017
Barb Nelson and Vicki Blake Thompson will celebrate their combined 40 years of conducting the Bonners Ferry Community Choir Christmas Concert when the 70 voices of "CELEBRATE" ring the rafters at Trinity Lutheran Church.
The Bonners Ferry Community Choir is celebrating 40 years under the direction of conductors Vicki Blake Thompson and Barb Nelson, who are presenting their final community choir Christmas concert together. “CELEBRATE!” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Friday December 15, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6784 Cody Street, Bonners Ferry.

“CELEBRATE!” will feature a few favorites from the 40 Christmas concerts Nelson and Thompson have conducted for the Community Choir.

Barb is now accompanist for the choir. She conducted the choir for 18 years. This will be the 22nd year for current conductor Vicki Blake Thompson.

Together, the two have woven Christmas magic that will remain a part of the lore and tradition of people uncounted who have, over the many years, included attendance at a Bonners Ferry Christmas Concert as part of their holiday celebration.

“It is time to pass on the torch," Vicki said. "Hopefully our new conductor will carry on the tradition in 2018 and beyond.”

This year's Bonners Ferry Christmas Concerts features about 70 area singers, with Todd Kelner, Creston, on euphonium (baritone horn), Shirley Cameron, Creston, and Jim Thompson, Bonners Ferry, on electronic wind instruments, and Jeff Hunsaker, Bonners Ferry, on piano.

Several singers from past years will be joining the choir from as far away as Logan, Utah, and Portland, Oregon, making this year's performances not only the end of an era, but a cherished memory in the making for all who attend.

As another enticement, those attending will meet the new Bonners Ferry Choir conductor, who will be introduced during each performance, and who will launch a whole new and exciting era.

Suggested donation for attendance is $10 for adults, $6 for students, or $29 for an immediate family, but no one will be turned away unless all seats and standing room are packed.
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