Looking Forward to Next Year

The Evanston Civic Chorus completed the fall session a couple of weeks ago with a Christmas party gig.  On Monday, December 13, 2010 we provided some entertainment for the Senior Circle party at the Legal Tender restaurant.  We figured we'd be limited to just the a cappella tunes from our Christmas program.  But with a little bit of detective work, Kirk discovered an old piano buried in a corner behind a pile of chairs.  It was just the perfect instrument for the Beach Boys' "Little Saint Nick."

This was the lineup:

• God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
• Bradshaw's Carol, Round, and Alleluia
• Born on a New Day
• Little Saint Nick
• Hark the Herald Angels Sing
• Joy to the World

The audience was very appreciative, and I believe our tribute to the Beach Boys might have been the favorite. 

After a successful year, which included several concerts and participation in many community events, the Chorus looks forward to the new year.  The spring session will start on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the EHS choir room.

How about a New Year's resolution that's easy to keep - singing with the Evanston Civic Chorus!

by Sara

Christmas Carol Poll Results

Seventeen votes were cast in our Favorite Christmas Carol Poll, and we have a clear winner.  "Angels We Have Heard on High" received 4 votes.  We have a three-way tie for second place.  "Joy to the World," "Silent Night" and "What Child Is This?" each received 2 votes.  Seven others each received a vote, and a few received none.  I can't figure out why no one voted for "The Boars Head Carol." 

Thanks to everyone who participated.  Have a very Merry Christmas and sing lots of Christmas carols!

by Sara

A Great Christmas Program on Sunday, December 12, 2010

More Photos

What a fun Christmas program we had on Sunday, December 12, 2010 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church!  Suzanne was the narrator, the Chorus sang a few songs, and there were several duets by members of the Chorus.  The acoustics were great, the audience was appreciative, and it was really fun to eat refreshments and mingle with the crowd afterward.  This was the program, with readings inserted throughout:  

Do You Hear What I Hear (video playlist)

• Do You Hear What I Hear?
• Bradshaw's Carol, Round, and Alleluia
• God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
• Still a Bach Christmas - Beverly and Deb
• O Holy Night - Beverly and Deb
• He Shall Feed His Flock/Come Unto Him - Rebekah and Clarissa
• Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Sara and Beverly
• Born On a New Day
• Little St. Nick

Thanks to St. Paul's for letting us perform at the church, to Rebecca and Joseph for taking video and photos, and to the Evanston Study Club for providing the refreshments.

by Sara

ECO Presents Handel's Messiah - December 19th

The Evanston Civic Orchestra is presenting Handel's Messiah this coming Sunday, December 19th at 6:00 p.m. at Davis Middle School.  Several of our Civic Chorus singers are also part of the Messiah Choir.

The program includes favorite choruses, such as "For Unto Us a Child is Born" and "Hallelujah."  The soprano aria, "Rejoice, Greatly" is my favorite solo, and I'm glad it is included this year. 

The concert is free, and there will be a reception afterward.

Messiah is always the highlight of my Christmas.  I hope you'll come make it a part of yours.

by Sara

I love singing with the Evanston Civic Chorus. It is one thing my 16 year old son do together and have a wonderful time singing Bass together. What fun. I love it.

by John

ECC Christmas Carols Downtown - Dec. 2, 2010

More Photos

Last Thursday, members of the Chorus gathered to sing Christmas carols during the Downtown Merchants Open House and Parade of Lights.  Thanks to the businesses for letting us step inside and share our music!

Part of the fun in this annual activity of the Chorus is that it is for family and friends too.  And passersby are always welcome to join us!

Weatherwise, we were lucky; the warm spell came just in time.  It was nice not to concern ourselves too much with frozen ears and fingers as we have in years past.

I've always loved Christmas caroling, and am glad the Evanston Civic Chorus has made this an annual tradition.  It's hard to pick a favorite carol, but I think I'll have to go with "Angels We Have Heard on High."  What is your favorite?  Cast your vote in our new poll on our website.

by Sara

Favorite Christmas Carol Poll

What's your favorite Christmas Carol?  Take our new poll and see how many people have the same favorite as you!  The poll closes at noon on Christmas Eve.

You'll find the poll on the left sidebar of our website.

by Sara

Christmas Concert Soon!

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

We are excited to announce that our Christmas concert is about a week away.  Two years ago we held the concert at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.  It was well attended and the acoustics were great.  So we're going to be at St. Paul's again this year (949 Sage St.)

So mark your calendars for Sunday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m.  The Chorus will be singing several songs, including a really cool a cappella arrangement of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" and a Chorus favorite, "Do You Hear What I Hear."  In addition, there will be several vocal solos, duets, and a piano duet by Chorus members.

Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided by the Evanston Study Club following the concert.  Bring your families!

by Sara