By JENNA RHUDE
Moapa Valley Progress
Christmas Bells are Ringing was the theme that echoed throughout the annual holiday performance of the Zephyr Singers held in the Old Logandale School on Saturday, December 8.
The audience was treated to a beautiful concert filled with traditional Christmas music.
“It was a delightful performance,” said audience member Ralph Winterbottom. “Wonderful variety of music and executed perfectly.”
The concert began with “Good Christian Men, Rejoice.” It was quickly followed by “Carol of the Bells.” The volunteer choir created the sound of bells through a wonderful blend of voices.
“Mary Did You Know” was performed by the tenor and bass singers in the group. Listening to the low tones, blended with the tenor was beautiful.
As in seasons past, the Zephyr Consort joined the performance with their Renaissance era recorders. The sounds of the wooden instruments brought a unique tone to the concert.
The attention of the performance was turned to two incredibly talented cousins. The piano duet of “Jingle Bells” played by cousins Tyler and William Walker was fun and very entertaining.
“Sleigh Ride” and “Caroling, Caroling” sent the crowd dashing through the snow as the traditional songs were performed with precision.
Brand new to the group was the addition of the bells. The talented women sang as well as played the bells during “Do You Hear What I Hear.” A beautiful sound was achieved as the entire group sang a-capella during “Ding Dong, Merrily on High.”
New to the group, Lucinda Walker sang a beautiful solo in the group’s rendition of “Still, Still, Still.” As Walker sang, the rest of the ladies oohed a soft sound like an inviting breeze during a gentle snowfall.
The ladies performed a bells only song. “The First Noel.”
“It was fantastic,” said audience member Tim Walker.
The Zephyr Singers concluded with “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” with a flute solo by Keshia Philipenas.
Charles Clark, a visitor to Moapa Valley, attended the concert with family. “Everything was superb,” he said. “I loved the traditional music. The execution by every performer was incredible.”
“We have so much amazing talent in our valley,” Zephyr Choir Director Gaye Nelson said. “We love to perform. This is our gift to the community. We feel that inviting others to hear this beautiful music brings the spirit of Christmas, the true meaning of Christmas. It helps us as performers to celebrate as well.”
