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20th Annual Bonners Ferry Community Christmas Choir Concert
December 8, 2015
Twenty years ago Vicki Blake Thompson took over conducting the Bonners Ferry Community Choir from Barb Nelson who was moving to Pendleton, Oregon. Little did either of them ever guess that it would be the beginning of a new career and love for Ms. Blake Thompson who has been conducting various choirs in our community ever since.

This year's 40th annual Christmas concert features over 60 local singers in "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Performances are Friday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 20 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, just off Highway 95 on Cody Street in Bonners Ferry. Suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 for students,
and $28 for an immediate family.

The program features a wide variety of musical styles with both familiar carols and new Christmas music. Accompanist is Barb Nelson, who conducted the choir for eighteen years before Ms. Blake Thompson took over. Ms. Nelson has also accompanied the choir since her return to Bonners Ferry in 2001. Special guest artists are Sophia
Smith, cellist from Creston, British Columbia, Diane Olson on piano and marimba, and Ligeia Reinhardt on marimba. Featured choir members will be three women from the Boundless octet: Rhea Verbanic, Gail Southall, and Vicki Blake Thompson, percussionists Sharon Fitzgerald and Craig Binnall, and Cheryl Kaessinger on marimba and alto recorder.

Choir members come from as far south as Sagle, Idaho and north from Creston, British Columbia.

Reheasals began in October in preparation for this performance.

A reception follows each performance in the fellowship hall of the church. Cookies and Christmas treats are provided by the choir. This concert and the reception has become a wonderful tradition in Bonners Ferry. For many it is the event which ushers in the spirit of the Christmas season.




 
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