Aroostook River Voices presents ‘hopeful’ concert
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
Members of the Aroostook River Voices chorus have once again enchanted their audience with another memorable concert.
Photos courtesy of Susan Feeney-Hopkins
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| ASHLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL singer Airin Harmon performed a solo during their appearance at the Aroostook River Voices concert. | LARRY HALL, member and founder of the Aroostook River Voices, proves he is a multi-talented musician not only singing in the group, but by playing a multitude of instrumental accompaniments. |
BOSOM BUDDIES, the singing duo of Melissa Hall, left, and Sherri Calhoun, center, were guest performers at the Aroostook River Voices concert held in Ashland. The duo invited friend and singer, Julie Gardner, along to accompany them for some three-part harmonies.
NEWLY FORMED CHORUS — The Aroostook River Voices concert introduced their labor of love; the newly formed Ashland District School High School Chorus. The students performed for the first time at the concert. Singing are, from left: Stephanie Goulet, Chelsea Hammond, Shea Craig, Brittany Harris, Gabby Cyr, Kayla Cote, Diana Watt, Kali Pelletier, Marissa Chasse and Rebecca Libby.
THE ASHLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL Middle School Chorus was a guest performer at the Aroostook River Voices concert held at their school. Pictured are, from left, front row: Alexis Craig, Micayla Driscoll, Chelsea Vaillancourt, Brooke Robinson, Tiffany Libby, Kyle Soetaert-Beaulier, Airin Harmon, Briana Harris, Kesha Lane and Courtney Jimmo. Back row: Sam Watt, Gabbie Reese, Tim Tarr, Jakob Grey-Purvis, Amber Chasse, Megan Cote and Cassie Bolstridge.
THE AROOSTOOK RIVER VOICES singing group recently held a concert at the Ashland District School. The group includes members of the community and high school students.
Sponsored by the Ashland Alumni Association, the auditorium was full of concertgoers, and thanks to their very generous donations, raised over $900 for the association, which will be used to support scholarships for graduating Ashland seniors, class reunions and other community activities.
The theme of this concert was “Songs of Hope” in the spirit of Veterans Day, as well as celebrating “the different elements that make this world a better place. Good friends, faith and a community that sacrifices individual desires for the good of our nation.”
The opening number was the song titled “Song of Hope.” All the songs chosen for this concert focused on this theme. The singers sounded great and were so entertaining. The opening harmonies of the Mamas and the Papas’ favorite “Monday Monday” were tight and precise. This is where the group shines which isn’t always easy to do with such a large and diverse group. It is a pleasure listening to and watching them perform. Their energy and love of music could be felt throughout the auditorium.
The Ashland District School’s Middle School Chorus performed the upbeat “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz. This was a great song choice for them and they did an outstanding job. It’s evident these kids love to sing and perform. The Middle School Chorus members are Cassandra Bolstridge, Gabrielle Carr, Amber Chasse, Megan Cote, Alexis Craig, Sydney Curtis, Lauryn Deabay, Morgan Doughty, Micayla Driscoll, Carly Fredericks, Jakob Grey-Purvis, Airin Harmon, Briana Harris, Courtney Jimmo, Kesha Lane, Alex Lewin, Tiffany Libby, Emilee Lothrop, Matthew Norris, Kylie Paradis, Gabrielle Reese, Brooke Robinson, Kyle Soetaert-Beaulier, Monica Sperrey, Timothy Tarr, Chelsea Vaillancourt and Samantha Watt.
A very special appearance was made by the newly formed high school chorus; this being their very first public performance. The students and founding chorus members I am sure were very proud. This group is evidence that imaginings and ideas — with will and determination — can come true! The students sounded fantastic as if they have sung together for years. Great job! Members of the Ashland District School High School Chorus are Gabby Cyr, Shea Craig, Brooke LaBelle, Kali Pelletier, Kayla Cote, Marissa Chasse, Ramsey Paradis, Stephanie Goulet, Chelsea Hammond, Sydney Curtis, Laura Sturgeon, Jasmine Clark, Brittany Harris, Diana Watt and Rebecca Libby.
A performance by the singing duo “Bosom Buddies,” otherwise known as Melissa Hall and Sherri Calhoun, with special guest Julie Gardiner, was much anticipated and did not disappoint. The ladies do covers of American favorites spanning generations from the 1920s through the popular music of today. These women are quickly gaining a following of fans. Me included. I can’t wait to hear what’s next. It’s a pure pleasure to the ears!
A very touching tribute was planned by the chorus members and dedicated to our veterans in accordance with Veterans Day. The lights on the stage were dimmed with chorus members silhouetted against a red, white and blue-lighted background. One by one, members of the chorus recited inspiring and patriotic quotes from great Americans such as Martin Luther King, Jr., 9/11 heroes and presidents. It was a very dignified, well done patriotic moment none of us will soon forget. I hope our local veterans felt the pride and appreciation we all feel for them.
After the show, the singers and audience members joined in the schools cafeteria for refreshments and fellowship.
Oxbow gift shop to host local artisans
Have you been looking for a unique gift? Well look no further! The Deep in the Woods Gift Shop on the Oxbow Road in Oxbow Plantation will be hosting a “Demonstration Day” Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Artisans Nancy Paradis of Cross Lake and Susan White of Mapleton will be on hand to give demonstrations of their work and processes by which they are made.
Paradis will be demonstrating her “hand carving” technique. She will be carving a softball, golf ball and Balm of Gilead. Nancy’s carvings are very popular at the gift shop especially the “wood spirits” which, according to legend, bring good luck. We all need a little of that, don’t we? White will perform “glass etching” demonstrations. Come pick out an ornament and have it etched while you shop. Your ornament will be ready when you are finished shopping. White “promises” to have lots of Christmas stencils available to choose from.
The gift shop also has many other unique gifts available.
Come join in the fun and support your local artisans. The gift shop also operates a tree farm so you can even pick out your fresh Balsam Fir Christmas tree! Bring the family along and make a day of it! It’s a great time of year to take a ride out to Oxbow. Light refreshments will also be served. The Deep in the Woods Gift Shop is open Friday through Tuesday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 435-8232 or Feenhop@aol.com.
