Christmas Cantata Concert

Community Choir will begin practicing the first Sunday in October under the direction of Michael Eldridge and accompanied by Carol Fuxa. Eldridge received his undergraduate degree in Music Education and taught high school vocal music in which he directed several choirs, prior to becoming high school principal at East Butler. He has been a lead bass singer for the past several years in the Butler County Community Choir and also led bass sectionals practices. Eldridge is looking forward to dusting off his directing abilities once again and welcomes all new and returning members.

Enjoy their talents and those of the string quartet from the Harris Academy of the Arts, which includes BCAC member Mistyn Kozisek, on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m., at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

The Butler County Arts Council invites all to start the holiday season by attending the annual Christmas concert on Sunday December 3rd. This year a brass ensemble “Firehouse Five Plus” will do a pre-concert Christmas Medley starting at 2:30 pm. Joanie Brecka, trumpet will be joined by Dan Hicks on tuba, Kyle Hinkel on trumpet, David Kasl on trombone and Dave Wesely on French horn. Then at 3 pm the Professional Musicians of Harris Academy of the Arts will be represented by Mistyn Kozisek and Vicki Harris on violin, Joy Holz on viola and Drew Ritchie on cello with delightful Christmas music mostly arranged by Matthew Naughtin. The other featured group will be the 23 member Butler County Community Choir directed by Michael Eldridge and accompanied by Carol Fuxa. The choir has been rehearsing since the first Sunday in October. Spirited renditions of “Caroling, Caroling”, “Carol of the Bells”, “Come, Dear Children”, and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” will set the tone for the major work this year. The cantata “Night of the Father’s Love” also described as “The Awe and Mystery of God With Us” is a wonderful arrangement by Pepper Choplin beginning with the coming of the Lord with soloist Kelcie Keeling. In another of the eight movements soprano Nancy Humlicek shares “Angels Are Making Their Rounds”. Other soloists in “Seeking the King” include Will Heller, Tom McCracken and Vern Dvorak. Narration this year will be shared by eight members of the choir. The concluding number with all invited to participate will be the Hallelujah Chorus by George Frederick Handel. Following the performance all are invited downstairs to the reception Jacquie Masek hosts annually for this major event. Free will donations at the door support this annual Christmas concert.

These and other opportunities to experience the arts would not be possible without the support of many organizations and individuals. The Butler County Arts Council was awarded a Basic Support Grant, Nebraska Touring Program grant and some Artist in Schools grants for the season now in progress. The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported these arts events through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.nebraskaartscouncil.org for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. The Butler County Area Foundation Fund has provided annual grant support as have individuals with donations and memberships. Grand Benefactors are Bank of the Valley, Cornerstone Bank of Rising City, Moravec Financial Advisors, Inc., Aquinas & St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, David City Public Schools, and East Butler Public Schools. Other corporate Sponsors include The Banner~Press, Bierbower Law Office, Butler County Clinic PC, Butler County Health Care Center, Butler County Landfill, Inc, Chermok Funeral Home, Dale’s Food Pride, david place, Eberle Insurance Agency-STATE FARM, Egr, Birkel and Wollmer, PC, First National Bank-David City, First Nebraska Bank-Brainard, Kracl Funeral Chapel, Rehmer Auto Parts, Inc., St. Joseph’s Villa. & Court, Inc., St. Luke’s UMC (in-kind giving), and Union Bank & Trust- David City. New sponsors are always welcome. Contact Butler County Volunteer administrator Anna Nolan at anolan@bonecreek.org or at 402-641-6458 (text or phone) for more information.