Waynesville Welcomes Harmonies of the Holidays
Waynesville is gearing up for a delightful evening filled with music and holiday cheer, thanks to the award-winning Land of the Sky Chorus. This talented group will be presenting their concert titled “Harmonies of the Holidays” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 20, in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church. If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, this is a must-see event!
A Gift of Music for Everyone
This isn’t just any concert; it’s a celebration of barbershop and a cappella vocal music that promises to lift your spirits. The Land of the Sky Chorus, which is the Asheville chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, boasts a remarkable 45 members primarily hailing from Western North Carolina, with a few from neighboring South Carolina. The energy and camaraderie of this group are palpable, and they’re excited to share their passion with the community.
Ross Turman, a talented baritone in the group, expressed his enthusiasm about the performance: “It’s going to be a fun evening! We’re eager to showcase our hard work and dedication.” He emphasizes that the concert is free to attend, though donations will be graciously accepted to help cover the chorus’s travel expenses as they prepare for the prestigious Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Chorus Competition set to take place from June 29 to July 6 in Denver.
A Momentous Year for the Chorus
Excitingly, the Land of the Sky Chorus recently achieved a significant milestone. They qualified to participate in the international competition after winning first place at the Carolina’s District of the BHS spring competition held on April 20, 2024, in Pinehurst. This win is particularly special as it marks the first time in the chorus’s 75-year history that they have clinched the top prize at this level. Ross, only 25 years old, beamed with pride as he shared, “Yes, it’s been a big year for the chorus. Winning this competition has truly brought us together.”
An Inclusive Community of Singers
The concert will feature about 30 choir members, along with several quartets from the group. The Land of the Sky Chorus is inclusive, welcoming singers of all ages and genders. In fact, the youngest member is just 10 years old! Ross notes, “It’s so fun and satisfying to sing every week with a group that is dedicated to musical excellence. We have so much talent, and our mindset is always about improvement.”
He went on to explain how the hard work invested in rehearsals fosters a special bond among the members. “When you put in hours and hours of practice with people who share the same dedication as you do, you create something truly special,” Ross explained. This camaraderie is evident in every performance, and attendees can expect to leave the concert feeling uplifted and joyful.
Join the Celebration!
If you want to experience the enchantment of holiday harmonies and support a local group making waves in the barbershop community, make sure to mark your calendar for December 20. Donations will help the Land of the Sky Chorus make their way to the international stage, so consider contributing if you can. You can learn more about the group and their mission by visiting their website.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s events like this that remind us of the joy of music and community. Let’s come together in Waynesville for a festive evening of song, laughter, and shared spirit!
