Coshocton Community Choir concert is a family tradition
Charles Snyder and the Coshocton Community Choir practice a final time before presenting “Child of Promise” the 48th annual Coshocton Community Choir concert at Coshocton High School on Dec. 2. Jen Jones | Beacon
COSHOCTON – The annual Christmas concert by the Coshocton Community Choir is a tradition – for those attending and for those performing.
The 48th concert was held Dec. 2 at Coshocton High School and the auditorium was full. Charles Snyder has conducted the concert since it started with 35 singers in the Coshocton Middle School choir room. In 1984, it ballooned and they had about 100 singers. This year, about 200 people are involved in the concert. Eleven Muskingum University students travelled to Coshocton to be part of the concert and the children’s choir has singers from other counties.
Snyder said every year, a theme is chosen to look at Christmas through fresh eyes and then he starts looking for music they haven’t done in a long time. “Richard Hoover has been writing the narration for the concert for several years. We work hard to make the concert seamless. The three choirs and instruments practiced together yesterday (the day before the concert) for the first time.”
Josh Chaney, president of the Community Choir, started singing in the Coshocton Singers (fourth – eighth grades) when he was in fourth grade and has been part of the concert for about 17 years. “It’s such an honor to sing with this group and to work with Chuck (Snyder). This group is like a family – we enjoy our time together. It’s a special privilege to be involved and we are always excited to share this with the community.”
Chaney also said that many people who attend the concert year after year have said the show marks the beginning of their Christmas season. “It’s a family tradition to attend together.”
Steve Barker has been part of the choir for 23 years. “I moved to Newcomerstown from Delaware and didn’t have any family here. I found a family in the choir. These people are like my brothers and sisters.”
For the Reveal family of West Lafayette, singing in the community choir and youth choirs is a family tradition. “It started with my mother-in-law, Margaret Reveal,” said Cherie Reveal. Cherie has been singing in the concert for eight years and three of her sons, Chase, Austyn and Jake have all been part of the Coshocton Singers and the Youth Chorale.
“I love the music and the friendships I’ve made being a part of this choir,” said Cherie. “It’s a family tradition and it’s a thrill to me to be able to sing with my sons. Jake and I will sing in the car – he sings his part and I sing mine. It’s fun to have something special to share.”
Jake Reveal has been part of the concert for eight years. “It’s fun. I get to meet the coolest people and it’s something I’m good at.”
Jamie Duling has been singing in the concert for 20 years. “I like that the story is always told from a different perspective – the Wise Men or the townspeople.” Duling flew home from Florida to be in the concert. “It’s a tradition – I wouldn’t miss it. I hope that people coming want to hear the story and that they share the story. I hope people are touched and then share with their neighbors. This choir is a treasure and most towns don’t have one this big.”
Duling also said another special part of being in the concert is that he gets to sing with his heroes – Chuck Snyder and Jane Crow. “Jane heard me sing when I was little and told my mom I needed to be in choir. She and Chuck are so encouraging – just what kids need to hear.”
A shortened version of the concert will be presented at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Newcomerstown on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are not necessary and an offering will be taken at the concert.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
