By Linda Elissalde
Galveston College Community Chorale performed their annual Christmas Program at Moody United Methodist Church on December 10, 2023. Talented director Mike Gilbert and piano virtuoso Ron Wyatt led the choir in seasonal musical offerings including an old favorite, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”. The Chorale received a standing ovation upon completing their finale presentation of “When Angels Sing”.
Talented director Mike Gilbert and piano virtuoso Ron Wyatt
However, it was not the finale of fun for the group. A party was planned for Monday, December 11. Executive Director of Moody Mansion Betty Massey graciously opened its doors for the event. Choir member and Visitor Services Manager Viola Moore made sure tables, chairs and all were in place and Christmas trees were illuminated. Pam Gilbert, Jane, Susan and Steve helped with place settings. Basia Hall provided name tags and lanyards. She also supervised a riotous getting-to-know you Bingo Game. After that singers, mates and friends lined up for food. That table literally groaned with delicious offerings. Tiny Tim would have gazed in awe. Of course, it included myriad desserts.
After eating (stuffing?) as much as tummies could hold came what musicians love – music. Musical conductor-composer-arranger-choir member Henry Aronson entrained by playing and singing several Christmas classics. Everyone enjoyed his delightful performance. Then Ron Wyatt took his place at the piano, and Maestro Mike Gilbert took command of his singers. They enthusiastically followed Ron and Mike’s lead on Christmas carols both sacred and secular. Moody Mansion’s acoustical room took those voices to the roof. Singers harmonized with ease. Such musical joy! Such excitement!
All good things do come to an end. Galveston College Community Chorale ended their party with “Auld Land Syne”. As folk cleaned up the tables, put on coats, said good-byes and hurried off into the night, one thing was clear. IT REALLY WAS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!
[LCE: Jan-2-2024]
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Wonderful pictures & report – as usual!!! Hopefully we’ll be back one of these days!