“A lot of our music is focused on reaching out and trying to take care of people – to be a gift to the world in need.” – Rachel West, director, Four Seasons Chorus
By John Koski
CORRESPONDENT
When Four Seasons Chorus became aware of a growing need in the communities in which they perform they decided to do something to help.
“Because so many people are out of work all of our local food pantries are in desperate need of donations,” said Rachel West, director. “As a result, our chorus decided to do what we can to benefit these crucial, non-profit programs.
“Although our concerts are free to the public,” West said, “we do encourage attendees to bring non-perishable items for local food pantries or give monetary donations that can be used to provide perishable items to people in need. We are trying to increase people’s awareness of this need and offer opportunities for them to be part of the solution.”
The chorus, which was founded three years ago, has held concerts to benefit food pantries in Lake Geneva, Walworth and Williams Bay.
“We’re also open to doing fundraisers for other area food pantries,” West said.
“Rather than focusing on us,” said chorus member Rochelle Freymiller, “we’re focusing on the food pantries. We’re trying to make a difference.”
The chorus has about 20 members and is open to anyone, whether or not they can read music.
“People do not have to pay any fees to be part of our chorus,” Freymiller said, “we’re open to anyone who has an interest in singing; formal training is not a requisite.
“Being in the chorus is a lot of fun,” Freymiller said. “What makes us unique is that we try to interact with audiences. We don’t just perform for them; we do sing-alongs and other interactive songs. The chorus does about six or seven numbers and then members of the chorus perform solos, duets and small-group numbers. We try to keep our shows upbeat.”
The chorus thrives on the diversity of its repertoire and has done everything from Christmas music, show tunes, love songs, the Beatles and musical timelines (such as songs from the 1940s and 1950s).
“A lot of our music is focused on reaching out and trying to take care of people – to be a gift to the world in need,” West said. “I enjoy the synergy of all of us coming together. Some of our members can’t read music, but they do know that notes go up and down, or they learn to sing by listening to other members sing.”
As choir director of Faith Lutheran Church, Walworth, West said she wanted to do something for the community outside of her church.
“Not everyone goes to church,” West said, “so if we can sing some Christian music in a largely secular choral concert, I think it draws people in.
“I want to give people the opportunity to sing,” West said, “and to have it be engaging and fun, but also for it to bring something to the community, not just for us. We started out with it being a fun thing, but we always had at the bottom of our posters, ‘Please bring something for the food pantry.’”
The chorus will perform for the public at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, at Faith Lutheran Church, 420 Read St., Walworth. The theme is autumn and Halloween.
For more information about Four Seasons Chorus or to book an engagement, e-mail West at rachelrita22@gmail.com or call (262) 812-3786.
If you go…
What: Performance by the Four Seasons Chorus
When: Monday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.
Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 420 Read St., Walworth.
Cost: Free, but donations of non-perishable food items is appreciated
Another concert has been added on Sunday, Novemeber 11 at First Congregational UCC at 1:30 pm. The church is located on 715 Wisconsin St. in Lake Geneva. Food and Money donations collected at the concert will go to Lake Geneva Food pantry
This group performed for us last night at Highlands Geneva Crossings in Lake Geneva. They were fabulous. They were a class act – yet a lot of fun. I highly reccomend this chorus group.