Grinch catches holiday spirit, sings with Sweet Adelines

Goshen —The Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame recently presented a musical program to ring in the holiday season at the annual “Jingle Bells Concert.” The members of the Goshen High School Varsity Choir and Jazz Voices began the evening with performances of a variety of music. The Song of the Valley Sweet Adelines, also based in Goshen, then presented a holiday package that included “Partridge in a Pear Tree,” an audience participation song that has become a tradition at this annual holiday event. However, this year turned out to be quite different for, just as the chorus and audience were ready to begin the song, the Grinch made an appearance, shouting, “I want to sing! I want to sing!.” The Grinch earned sympathetic support from both the audience and the chorus when he explained, “I am not going to be a nasty, wasty Grinch this year. I’m going to be a good Grinch, and I want to sing with you.” As luck would have it, the Grinch knew only one line to one song and that was “Partridge in a Pear Tree.” And so, it came to pass that the Grinch, with great enthusiasm and gusto, sang along with the audience and the chorus and, when it was his turn to sing his line, all present were sure they saw him smiling from ear to ear. Afterward, the Grinch (Ron Pierson) passed out candy canes and buttons which said, “I saw the Grinch singing with Song of the Valley Sweet Adelines.” The other highlight of the evening came when all women in the audience were invited to join chorus members on the risers to sing a song. About 25 came forward, including many young women from Goshen High School. The hall was filled with wonderful sound, as the chorus and guests sang “Jingle Bells” together. The Song of the Valley Chorus, under the direction of Lisbet P. Kline, rehearses on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m., at the Parry Building, Valley View Center for Nursing Care, Quarry Road, Goshen. All women who love to sing are invited to visit. For information, call 744-3879 or 928-2445.