Coming back for its 18th year of Holiday celebration, the Carbon Community Christmas Concert will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. To discuss the concert, Castle Country Radio was joined by Jan Young and Jeff Richens from the choir who gave an insider’s perspective into the tradition.
Starting us off, Richens explained that this isn’t your average Christmas concert,” one of the things that I think surprises people is that it’s not a ‘go sit in the seats and listen to a bunch of choir numbers’ concert. There’s narration, yes, but there is audience participation … They’re going to be part of it. Whether they love to sing or they just only sing in the shower, they’re going to be asked to sing, but it’s all going to be things they know like really common Christmas carols.”
Young added,” And this year we’ve brought back a little children’s choir. They will be singing ‘Star Bright’ and Pastor Angela Chacón will be singing the first verse in Spanish and then the children will sing the first verse again in English.”
Although the event is being held in a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, the event is an interfaith celebration of the season,” We have people in the choir from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, the LDS churches and we have one from the Price Chapel. I don’t know where everybody’s from, but I know I specifically invited someone from the Greek church and the Catholic church,” explained Richen. “ Whoever comes, comes and we’d love to see everybody there.”
We then switched gears and talked about the rehearsal process for the concert,” Well, Jeff and I have been to this concert since the beginning,” explained Young, with Richens adding,” We’ve just always enjoyed doing it. We only have four practices leading up to this. If you’re going to be in the choir, you’ve got to take that music to heart and spend a little time learning the parts.”
The duo then explained what people should be expecting from the concert,” This is free to go to but be aware, this is not about Santa Claus and snowman. This is all about the birth and the life of Christ,” stated Richens, with Young then sharing,” It’s also a chance to get the best cookies in town. So you have to get there and get them fast; because little kids like to go back and get their share.”
In closing, Young stated,” I just think it’s a wonderful event and people should come out and support the community choir.” Richens doubled down on this saying,” It’s a very relaxing environment. You don’t have to be in a dress and a suit and tie. You can come in your comfortable clothes. We don’t want you in pajamas, obviously, but just come as you are when you’re relaxing at home in the evening before you go to bed. Because this is a wonderful event. If you’ve never been, you’re going to be totally pleased.”
The Carbon Community Christmas Concert will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the LDS church building at 449 North 100 East in Price.