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Press Release
Contact: Office of the College President, Coni Chavez, (209) 588-5115
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   November 26, 2012

Columbia College Community Chorus Performs Sounds of the Season

The 45-voice Columbia College Community Chorus, under the direction of John Carter and accompanied by a 28-piece orchestra, will present their annual Sounds of the Seasons holiday concerts December 7, 8, and 9, 2012, at the Historic Sonora Opera Hall in downtown Sonora.  Performances will take place on the 7th and 8th at 7:30 p.m. and on the 9th at 3:00 p.m.  The concert will feature classical, seasonal and traditional music including music by Vivaldi, Haydn, Britten, and Scott Lee, as well as three popular audience sing-alongs, and an opportunity drawing for gift baskets.  Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance and can be purchased at Sonora Music, The Mountain Bookshop, Manzanita Bookstore, and Murphy’s Music or by calling (209) 586-5965.

This year’s concert will feature K. Lee Scott’s exciting Gloria written for chorus, soloists, two trumpets, French horn, trombone, tuba and tympani. Written in three movements, the composition’s outer movements are fast, rhythmic and grand, with a beautiful slow movement in between.  Conductor John Carter said, “This piece will be a crowd pleaser.  The chorus loves it.  It reminds us of the music of John Rutter with its contemporary sounds, rhythms and flashy brass.”  An important and traditional part of the program is the three audience sing-a-longs.  The chorus comes out into the audience, and the assembled forces - audience members, chorus, and orchestra – sing Christmas and seasonal songs.  Audience participation is also encouraged during intermission when there is an opportunity drawing for gift baskets. 

John Carter has conducted the Columbia College Community Chorus since 1984 when he began full-time teaching at Columbia College. In addition to his work with the Chorus, John has conducted a number of other groups including the Modesto Masterworks Chorus, the Modesto Symphony Chorus, church, school and community groups of all ages. He has been active on the board of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the Sonora Bach Festival. He holds music degrees from Chapman University and Westminster Choir College and a Certificate in the Professional Studies Program in Vocal Performance from Temple University.

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Coni M. Chavez
Executive Assistant to the President
Columbia College
11600 Columbia College Drive
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 588-5115 • (209) 588-5161 fax
chavezc@yosemite.edu