Community Chorus of Redlands Gets People in the Spirit

The First Congregational Church of Redlands was full of music and good spirit when the Community Chorus of Redlands performed a Concert of Anthems, Readings, & Carols on Dec. 20. Now in its 34th year, the choir was directed by founder and veteran of the Redlands music scene, Jeffrey H. Rickard. “I had a number of University of Redlands alumni that wanted to get involved with the Feast of Lights,” said Rickard. “So I got them all together and started the Community Chorus.” When it first formed in 1979, the Feast of Lights was the main event for the choir but by 1982, they had grown enough to establish their own choral season and by 1988, they were independent of the university. Fast forward to the 2000s and the First Congregational Church of Redlands became their new home venue. Now the Community Chorus of Redlands performs at the church every year as part of their regular season — which they start planning as early as September. No matter where they perform, the chorus always brings out huge audiences. The performance on Friday attracted a well-sized crowd that nearly filled the entire church. “I think they (audiences) are hungry for this kind of narrative and music,” said Rickard. “They are so tired of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, so I think they are hungry for one of the more dignified presentations.” It is a thought shared by Mary Beth Richardson. “Events like this — cultural, family, music — it brings people together. And here in Redlands people have a real love of music, especially deep, beautiful music like this.” Richardson acted as one of the narrators during the performance, reading from pieces like “There Was a Time” by Father Joseph Breighner and “Advent” by Daniel Berrigan. The narratives acted as transitions between songs. Musical pieces included well-known holiday hymns like “Silent Night” as well as more classical pieces like “Et incarnatus est.” There was even an original song by Rickard (entitled “Hodie, Christus Natus Est”) and original orchestration. “This music, it really gets your spirit ready,” said Richardson. “Being part of an ensemble like this, it really makes you feel like part of the community. I think that’s why people come back to this every year. Not just as performers but to watch.” At one point, this feeling of community was emphasized. The audience was asked to stand and accompany the Community Chorus of Redlands in four of the songs. Donations were requested but admission to the event was free and open to everyone. The Community Chorus of Redlands finished out the weekend with performances at St. Rita Catholic Church on Saturday and Faith Lutheran Church on Sunday.