AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi
The setting for Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ autumn concert at Historic Baldwin Hall on October 26th was something of a departure from the norm. Instead of concert seating, the main floor was dominated by tables anchored by balloons representing globes meant to emphasize the “Musical Journey” theme of the program. A buffet of foods from around the world prepared by chorus members stretched the entire length of the hall.
One could say the chorus sang for their supper. However, by the time Chesapeake Harmony Chorus director Mary Beth Whisman opened the concert with the number “One Song at a Time”, audience members had filled their plates with foods from across the globe and happily nibbling at leisure while being entertained.
The impressive buffet was prepared by chorus members themselves according to Whisman. In fact, the theme of the concert was solely their idea and was based on a desire to present foods from the cuisines of different countries. As can be seen below, signs designated each country the foods came from with appropriate decorations complementing each section.
The concert was designed to represent as many cultures as possible.
Having donned a pilot’s uniform and cap, narrator Laura Schwartz stepped forward to the podium to start the musical journey in earnest by announcing the song “A Whole New World” from the 1992 animated Disney film “Alladin” with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice.
Six songs were performed by the chorus during the first act, the most familiar of which was “Consider Yourself” from the musical “Oliver” representing London, England. The most romantic song, representing Paris, was “Unforgettable” by songwriter Irving Gordon and made popular by singer Nat King Cole.
Intermission allowed time for guests to revisit the buffet table. We enjoyed meeting Schwartz and her young daughter at the buffet table and learning that Laura’s mother Diane Schwartz was performing as a Chesapeake Harmony Chorus member.
“That makes three generations of us here enjoying this evening,” Schwartz said.
Concert-goers seemed eager for the second act to begin. They were aware that they were in for a special treat as all three of Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ well-known quartets – Moscato, 2nd Star, and Bearfoot – were scheduled to perform.
First to appear was CHC’s newest quartet, Moscato, featuring Sue Berber, Lisa Freeman, Marjorie Rawhouser and Fran Horner. In keeping with the Musical Journey theme, the quartet arrived carrying suitcases “to catch a flight” – except one member was late and a bit overburdened.
Calm prevailed and the quartet launched into their first song, the well-known “Sentimental Journey”. Their second song was the traditional hymn “Irish Blessing”.
The next foursome to arrive onstage were 2nd Star Quartet members Kathy White, Mary Beth Whisman, Lynda Walsh and Sally Burton. They were introduced by the narrator as world travelers because together and separately, they have visited China, South Africa, Norway, the Galapagos Islands, and Ireland. It’s unusual to have two chorus directors in your quartet but Burton served as director for several years prior to Whisman taking over.
Perhaps inspired by having visited the emerald isle, 2nd Star Quartet began its set with An Irish Lullaby, Toora Loora Loora. Formed nearly ten years ago, the award-winning Barbershop-style quartet works hard to perfect their four-part harmonies.
For their second number, they acquired holiday headgear and turned wistful as they sang “What’ll I Do” by Irving Berlin. The refrain, “When you are far away, and I am blue, what’ll I do,” was poignant enough to bring a tear to the eye.
It was time to be merry again as narrator Linda Schwartz brought on the award-winning Bearfoot Quartet. As amusing as they are talented, members Patti Platt, Eileen Robinson, Peggy Coulter and Mindy Cassel appeared onstage in fine form with the first three members wearing tailored white shirts with tartan shawls. The fourth, Cassel, somehow showed up wearing a kilt and appeared ready to grab a bagpipe. She felt the kilt was necessary to honor tradition as they sang the Scottish melody “Skye”.
For their second number, they were literally a blur as they whipped off their Scottish garb for casual clothes and launched into a snappy and humorous version of “The Baltimore Song”.
As always, the Bearfoot Quartet received thunderous applause as they took their bows and departed the stage.
The chorus came back onstage for the remainer of the program with an a cappella rendition of “For Good” from the musical “Wicked”. Then, to our surprise, director Mary Beth Whisman turned over the concert to her new assistant director who just happens to be Fran Horner whom we’d seen with the Moscato Quartet.
For the first number, Horner led the chorus in “Getting To Know You” from the musical “The King and I.” The group then performed a rousing version of the popular Abba tune “Take A Chance On Me” to warm applause.
The final two songs, led by Whisman, were the powerful and intriguing “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen and “Let There Be Peace” to end the concert on a positive note.
We spoke to Whisman after the program and learned that Chesapeake Harmony Chorus will be performing once again at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce Taste & Sip event at Chartwell Country Club on December 9th. The group will also be doing some holiday “sing outs” at area Senior Centers. For more information, visit Chesapeake Harmony Chorus or Facebook.
A Reminder: Jing Ying Institute to celebrate 25th Anniversary November 15th
Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi owners Nancy and Billy Greer invite the community to join them in celebrating the school’s 25th Anniversary on Saturday, November 15 from 10 am to 2 pm. From 10 am till 12:30 there will be free mini classes for both Tai Chi and Kung Fu. Thereafter, attendees may enjoy some light refreshments, receive a packet of tea, and enter the door prize and raffle drawings. At 1 pm, the ribbon cutting and presentation of citations from officials will take place including a very special recognition.
Students should register in advance by going to: https://cp.mystudio.io/e/?=JingYing/3031/753373//1761191365.
Another Reminder: The AAUW Booksale November 6th thru 9th
The Association of University Women (AAUW Anne Arundel) will be holding its much-anticipated 2025 Book Sale from Thursday, November 6 thru Sunday, November 9 at Chesapeake Square, 6714 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, Md. The book sale is wonderful because you can find books by some of the very best authors that are no longer available at our public libraries, great children’s books too.
Scheduled hours are as follows:
Nov. 6 & 7 – open from 10 am to 7 pm
Nov. 8 – open 9 am to 7 pm
Nov. 9 – open 9 am to 3 pm For information, visit Facebook.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
