Counterpoint Choir members Rollie McWhinney, Donna Wedgewood-Maynes and Bev  McWhinney, with Trista Bassett (right), participate in the 2014 Vernon MS Society run/walk/ride. Counterpoint members plan to join the event in Polson Park Sunday, April 24 before their 10th anniversary spring concerts April 29 and 30 at Knox Presbyterian Church.

Counterpoint Choir members Rollie McWhinney, Donna Wedgewood-Maynes and Bev McWhinney, with Trista Bassett (right), participate in the 2014 Vernon MS Society run/walk/ride. Counterpoint members plan to join the event in Polson Park Sunday, April 24 before their 10th anniversary spring concerts April 29 and 30 at Knox Presbyterian Church.

Choir performs favourites from past decade

Vernon’s Counterpoint Choir is still singing, and walking for a cause, as it celebrates 10 years.

Whether they are performing or walking for a cause, Counterpoint Choir members always have a song in their step.

Proof of this is coming up as the choir celebrates its 10th anniversary with its Counterpoint Favourites concerts at Knox Presbyterian Church April 29 at 7 p.m. and April 30 at 2 p.m.

But first, choir members will participate in the Vernon MS Society’s annual run/walk/ride event at Polson Park Sunday, April 24.

“Supporting the Vernon MS Society and participating in their walk/run/ride Sunday is such an easy fundraiser for our choir,” said Counterpoint member Donna Wedgewood-Maynes. “Hard to believe we’ve been participating now in the MS Walk for four years. This is our fifth.”

In the 10 years since the choir has performed as Counterpoint, strong friendships have developed while the core membership, many of whom were original members of the Scott Singers, has been maintained, said Counterpoint conductor Coreen Smith.

For its upcoming concerts, Smith and the choir, accompanied by pianist Teresa McKnight, will be joined by former members and special guests to perform selections chosen by Counterpoint from its music repertoire the past 10 years.

Special guest performers include the Jabulani drum group, Ann Dorval on flute, bassist Monty Hughes, as well as soprano Loretta Bell-Hardy in a duet with Smith, and  Dyan Cornies on piano. Former choir leader Elizabeth Scott will also be conducting a few selections.

Also joining the performances is tenor Elizabeth Johnson, a new member with the choir, who will perform on Celtic harp.

And back to serve as emcee is Rick Smith.

“He was a riot at our last concert in January in his role as a jester… in costume,” said Wedgewood-Maynes, adding “We must not forget Devon Muhlert, on recorder, who has overcome some pretty major health issues this year to be back with us again.”

Photos, memorabilia, as well as scrapbooks will be on display at Knox Presbyterian Church in the refreshment hall, where anniversary cake will be served after both the Friday night and Saturday afternoon concerts.

Some tickets are still available from choir members and at Shear Dimensions: $12 for adults and free for children 12 and under. For more information, contact bevmcwhinney@gmail.com.

 

Vernon Morning Star