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From Beaufort County Choral Society

On Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m., the Beaufort County Choral Society, under the direction of Patrick Ritsch, will perform its Holiday Pops concert at the Historic Turnage Theatre. The concert offers an assortment of popular contemporary songs, spirituals, favorite anthems, and carols. The selection of songs is sure to provide joyful moments which summon remembrances of Christmases past. A repeat performance will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Peace Presbyterian Church, at 301 Guinness Drive, Winterville.

BCCS president, Wendy Thienpont, when asked what she hopes the audience will take from this concert, remarked, “I hope that the concert will provide at least one song that will bring the joy and energy of the season to each and every heart. That has always been our goal.”

Fifteen-year-old Molly West, a student at Southside High School, has the distinction of being the first student to complete a concert with BCCS under their High School Intern Program. The program, which is in its inaugural phase, partners the Chorus with Beaufort County Public Schools and provides students the experience of singing in a more professional venue with an adult chorus. It provides a way for young voices to share their talents while volunteering to sing in the community, as well as earning community service credits for their high school portfolio.

When asked what she enjoys most about singing with BCCS, Molly replied, “Being a part of the chorus has been a wonderful learning experience. I have always loved singing, but I don’t get many chances to perform. So, this has been a great opportunity to sing in a low stress environment while learning new techniques. The people have also been very kind and helpful, since I did not know much about singing in a choir.  My favorite song that we are singing is probably “Go, Tell It on the Mountain.”

The concert is sponsored in part by Beaufort County Arts Council, Feryl Inc., and Hancock Kitchen & Bath of Greenville. If you are looking for a concert to welcome the holidays, this one might be perfect.

Admission is Free, while donations are gratefully accepted.  A brief reception to meet the choral performers in the Turnage Gallery will follow the concert. For more information about the concert or becoming a member or sponsor, visit the chorus website www.beaufortcountychoralsociety.com.