Director says goodbye

For the last 25 years, the Green River Collegiate Chorale has performed under the direction of Marlys Ciscar. This is about to change when Ciscar retires at the end of the season. Ciscar received a degree in elementary education and a composite degree in music from Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N.D. She taught in Nevada, prior to coming to Wyoming. Ciscar said she decided to retire because it is time, but that doesn't make it any easier. "I have very mixed emotions. I will miss all of the choir members very much. I can truthfully say, they are like family members," she said. Prior to directing, Ciscar sang soprano. Once she started directing, she was challenged to concentrate on all parts, including soprano, alto, tenor and bass. The final holiday performance is free and open to the public and is scheduled to take place Monday at 7 p.m. at the Green River High School auditorium.

"The community has supported us over the years, and I would love to have them come and listen to these outstanding men and women as they perform with me for the last time," she said.

Ciscar enjoys that the program is set up to have a variety of music. Something for everyone. " I tried to have music for everyone's particular taste," she said. On this year's program, which features contemporary and traditional holiday music is "Kyrie," by John Leavitt; "I'm Going Home," arranged by Pepper Chaplin; "Touch the Sky," featuring soloist Jennifer Carpenter, arranged by Mac Huff; "May It Be," arranged by Mark Brymer; "River in Jordan," arranged by John Leavitt; "Benedictus," by Eric W. Unruh; "Breath of Heaven," arranged by Roger Emerson; "Masters in This Hall," arranged Mark Hayes; "The First Noel," arranged Dan Forrest; and "Everywhere Christmas Tonight," by J. Paul Williams and Joseph Martin. Candice Dove will be the group's accompanist. "Benedictus," "May It Be," "River in Judea" and "Everywhere Christmas Tonight," are Ciscar's favorites this year, but she had a hard time picking.

"To be honest, I like them all, but since I have to pick a few, these are the ones," she said. As for the practices, Ciscar said they are fun, but focused.

"Oh my goodness, our practices are a combination of serious and fun. I think mostly fun," she said. "I have wanted my choir to enjoy what they are doing; however, we still strive for excellence and have had some outstanding choir concerts. These people are truly amazing."

Although some members of the choir cannot read music, that doesn't stop them for hitting the notes when they need to. Ciscar said they just go over the parts until everyone knows when and where they need to come in and what it needs to sound like. Ciscar tries to select a few pieces the singers are familiar with.

"I would like to thank all of my choir members both past and present for bringing such enjoyment into my life. Over the years, I have had some wonderful accompanists, and I wouldn't be able to do what I do without them," she said. "I will truly miss these wonderful people that have become friends, but will continue to sing with the group, 'Don't Quit Your Day Job.' I would also like to thank the community for their support over the years, and hope they will continue to support the choir."

After this performance, the members of the Green River Chorale will join the Rock Springs Community Chorale and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services Sweetwater orchestra, and other guest musicians to perform Handel's Messiah on Dec. 11, 12, and 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Western Wyoming Community College Theatre. Tickets are $6 and no children under five years old will be admitted to this performance.

Green River Chorale Members

Sopranos: Terri Clawson; JaNell Hunter; Karen Roundy; Annie Steiss; Marie Finney; Linda Martin; Patty Nieters; Nancy Stevens; and Meredith Thompson.

Altos: Bonnie Arnold; Roberta Avery; Jenny Boteler; Joyce Hart; Emily Wolffing; Madeleine Bonnabel; Jill Carpenter; Linda Dennison; and Janetta Eck.

Tenors: Michael Curtis; Deryle Wilmes; Thane Yennie; James Themig; and Joshua R. Wentz.

Bass: Howard Hart; Bill Hoyt; Phillip Luzmoor; Carson Dove; Devin Hart; Ethan Hart; Daryl Parker; and Christopher Thomas