Many Manor and area residents came out to enjoy the 2nd Annual Manor Community Christmas Concert. The concert, held at the United Church this past Sunday, saw more than 60 people come out to see locals exhibit their talents.
Marilyn Mason, who organized the event, was pleasantly surprised by the large turnout. She came up with the idea after attending a school performance and realized that there was only the chance for large group routines as the number of performers was large. Marilyn thought it would be nice to have a community concert where people of all ages could show off their individual talents and present a piece of their choice. She suggested this to some members of her church last year and began to make plans for the concert.
Performers were found through word of mouth, posters around town and a sign up list at the school. There was no limit to age and those interested could do any type of piece. Marilyn was undecided this year if she would organize another concert, until she had a student approach her and ask if there would be one again as she and her friends were looking forward to it. With the help of other community members, the concert was held for its second year on Dec. 11.
All in attendance were welcome to sing along to carols throughout the concert. There were a variety of performances from poetry to singing, dancing to instruments. The age range of performers was just as great. Presentations included: the playing of carols and hymns by Leona Haney and Robert Boutin on guitar, Shirley Kyle playing the mandolin and Mary Vansprundel on the keyboard.
A dance number to "Jingle Bell Rock" was performed by Presley Onufreychuk, Chelsea Slykhuis and Desiree Riddell, a dance duet to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Mackenzie Carley and Destiny Riddell, "Away in a Manger" played on the flute by Tianna Kennett and the singing of German Christmas Carols by Cornelia van Bentum.
Tap dancing and singing to "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" by Desiree Riddell was seen, as well as a clarinet piece by Presley Onufreychuk to "Jingle Bells," and a story called "One More than Enough" which was written and read by Barbara Haddow about an experience in her childhood.
The concert included singing of hymns and carols by Don Britt, Minister of the United Church from 1993 to 1996 and singing of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" by Chelsea Slykhuis, Madison Cuddington and Angela Aalbers. Also, poetry and reading was performed by Alice Zimmerman. The wide range of performers and talents was a wonderful way to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Each performer received a small gift after and attendees were treated to Christmas goodies. The event has definitely become one that people will look forward to each holiday season.
