Middleport choir and bell ringers will join for concert on May 4

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Middleport Community Choir director Ric Jones leads the choir during a rehearsal at the Middleport Community Church, in preparation for their annual spring concert May 4.

MIDDLEPORT – The Middleport Community Choir and the Middleport Bell Tones will celebrate the fading of winter, the spirit of spring and the promise of new beginnings at their annual spring concert, according to choir director Ric Jones of Medina.

The concert, titled “Arise: Songs of Spring and Renewal,” is scheduled at 4 p.m. May 4 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 133 Telegraph Rd.

“This concert weaves together harmonies of hope, rebirth and the natural beauty that blossoms anew each year,” Jones said. “Featuring a diverse repertoire, our program reflects the many faces of renewal – the thawing of frozen earth, the return of birdsong and the quiet strength that comes with change and growth. Let the music stir your soul like the first warm breeze of the spring and celebrate with us the eternal rhythm of seasons turning.”

Some of the songs the choir will perform are “Like a River in my Soul,” “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and “This is my Father’s World.”

The Middleport Community Choir was formed in 1999 by the late Herb Koenig to sing with a brass ensemble which was visiting from Germany. They had such a good time and formed such strong camaraderie they decided to keep the choir going. Jones has been its director for 22 years.

Mark Christensen, one of the original members, said Jones is a great director.

“He brings out the best of the voices in the choir,” Christensen said.

Ric Jones of Medina, director of the Middleport Community Choir, and accompanist Debby Clark of Lockport wait for the choir to get seated to begin rehearsing for the upcoming concert “Arise! Songs of Spring and Renewal” May 4 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Middleport.

Other original members are Carol Blumrick of Middleport, Kelly Eick of Medina and Joy Bohnet of Lyndonville. The Bell Tones director and choir accompanist Debby Clark has also been involved from the beginning.

“When Herb first founded the choir, I immediately joined, as I love singing,” Blumrick said. “I have been involved ever since. The thing I love most about being involved in the choir is the camaraderie with all the members. Some of us have traveled to Germany together and have diligently done fundraisers to keep the choir ‘afloat.’ We have members who may not be able to participate in every scheduled concert, but it is a testament to the group that folks keep returning for every concert they are able to perform in. All are made to feel welcome.”

“The Bell Choir has been a part of the Community Choir since the choir was established,” Blumrick said.

“They’ve packed up their bells and traveled to Germany with us when we went on tour there. Some of the Bell Choir members are also in the vocal choir, too, but having both groups allows for different talents to shine.”

Debby Clark has led the Bell Tones and accompanied the choir since its founding. She said it was started after someone donated a set of handbells to the United Methodist Church in Middleport. Currently there are positions for 11 ringers, but they average nine.

“When we are planning a concert, Ric gives me an idea of what the choir is planning to sing and I try to pick music that will complement his songs” Clark said. “I have to choose songs that use no more than three octaves.”

Two of the songs Clark chose for the upcoming concert are “Grace and Majesty” by Jason Krug and “The Peace of Christ” by Douglas Wagner.

The choirs rehearse separately – the Community Choir at the United Methodist Church and the handbells at the Lutheran Church – and then join for a final rehearsal the week before a concert.

Choir members come from Niagara, Orleans and Erie counties.

There is no admission charge to attend a concert, but a free will offering is accepted.