6 • The Beacon December 5 , 2024

The 90-voice Coshocton Community Choir , including auditioned singers from 11 Ohio counties , will share its Christmas concert , “ In Endless Light ,” on Sunday , Dec . 8 at 3 p . m . at River View High School . The concert , including the Coshocton Youth Chorale , The Coshocton Singers , The Roscoe Brass and additional instrumentalists , will feature a selection of sacred

choral music including arrangements and settings of familiar hymns , classical and popular works , spirituals and more .

The choir ’ s Christmas concert will return to River View High School , 26496

OH-60 , Warsaw , and admission is free . Although tickets will not be required , a freewill offering will be accepted to help meet the expenses involved in preparing for concerts and carrying out the nonprofit organization ’ s mission .

“ I chose ‘ In Endless Light ’ as this year ’ s concert theme ,” said Charles R . Snyder , the choir ’ s founder and director . “ Light is part

“ There ’ s a feeling of joy to see parents , grandparents , choir alumni and friends from over the years .”

Charles R . Snyder

of Christmas . Light and candles are expected at Christmas worship and parties , lights in windows , and they bring us joy in homes and public places . Every day I count lighted windows I pass and admire lit candles as I head home for the day . I am happy when I still see sparkling lights , even after New Year .”

Now in its 54th season , the Coshocton Community Choir was organized in 1971 by Snyder , an Ohio teacher , choral conductor and church musician . Since its founding more than 900 singers have sung with the choir , which has become known for its renditions of sacred a cappella literature . The singers come from all backgrounds , vocations and walks of life . The choir rehearses together weekly through the fall and winter and traditionally performs a narrated Christmas and spring concert with a variety of musical accompanists .

At this year ’ s concert , the choir will invite the audience to join in singing “ Silent Night ,” “ Hark ! the Herald Angels Sing ,” “ Angels We Have Heard

Submitted

The 90-voice Coshocton Community Choir , including auditioned singers from 11 Ohio counties , will share its Christmas concert , “ In Endless Light .”

on High ,” “ O Come , All Ye Faithful ,” and “ Joy to the World .” A few favorite community choir songs include a setting of “ O Holy Night ,” Garry Cornell ’ s “ Lamb of the Light ” and “ Go Tell It On the Mountain .” The community choir will surround the audience

for the traditional Christmas concert blessing , “ Stay With Us .”

“ At this time of year when the darkness comes more quickly each evening , I hope this concert will be a light for the singers and audience — something to keep people fueled , patient and loving in this busy time of year ,” Snyder said .

The choir is returning to River View again this Christmas , following positive feedback about last year ’ s concert , particularly regarding accessibility and acoustics . While the choir intends to return to Coshocton High School for the spring concert , a final decision will be made after the new year .

“ There ’ s a feeling of joy to see parents , grandparents , choir alumni and friends from over the years ,” Snyder said . “ I think you will appreciate our concert at River View High School — no climbing steps , in the parking lot or inside . The acoustic of the River View auditorium is live and should allow everyone to hear . Singing carols with the choirs and The Roscoe Brass and timpani will be thrilling .”