The Food Bank and more …

The Men of the Tay took part in a fund raising concert for the Smiths Falls Food Bank at Westminister Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 19th. The event attracted an appreciative audience and raised nearly $500.00. Over 300 people are relying on the Smiths Falls Food Bank each week, and over half of them are children. It was a wonderul opportunity to get together and sing while raising money for a most worthy cause.

The next appearance for the Men will be at the cenotaph on November 11th when they will perform “In Flander’s Fields” as part of the memorial services.

Meanwhile the Women of the Tay are rehearsing for their premiere appearance which will be as part of the Festival of Good Cheer on Saturday, November 29th. Currently 44 women are rehearsing each week preparing their first concert program. The performance will occur in the Atrium at Code’s Mill from 12:30-1:00 PM and again from 1:30-2:00 PM. The Festival is a wonderful day of music and entertainment throughout downtown Perth concluding with a fireworks presentation at 6:30 PM on the Tay Basin.

The women will also take part in “Throw Open The Shutters” the annual Christmas concert. The concert is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10th. More information will be coming soon.

New Members

If you are interested in becoming a member of either chorus you are invited to get in contact with the chorus director or manager soon. The choruses are now in full rehearsal for their December programs so new members should consider joining in January. Music for the Spring season is ordered in early November, so get in touch soon.

Rehearsals are roaring …

The start of the fall season got moving with gusto as both choruses swung into full action. This season the Men of the Tay are meeting at PDCI on Monday evening and the Women of the Tay are meeting at St. John Catholic High School on Wednesday evening. Both rehearsals start promptly at 7:00 PM and are over in time to clear the buildings by 9:00 PM.

Over 26 men returned to the Men’s chorus for their 6th season, and over 40 women are taking part in the inaugural season for the Women’s chorus. Both choirs have a full fall season of rehearsals and appearances, culminating in a Christmas Concert to be held on Wednesday, December 10th at 7:30 PM at St. James the Apostle Anglican Church.

Adding to the special things this fall, the Central Playground was officially opened on Saturday, September 27th. Many wil remember that the Men of the Tay raised in exess of $1600 to place a special bench in the playground. The bench, placed “In honour of members of the chorus whose harmony is now missed” is located at the east end of the Mill Street park under a tree and beside the Tay River. It is a fitting tribute to all who have been part of the organization since that first season and who for reasons of passing or moving on have left the chorus.

We are all sadder but richer for their time with us.