Christmas Concert will have new faces

BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry Community Choir will be coming together to perform its Bonners Ferry Community Christmas Concert, bringing the holiday cheer. Heading up the choir is new conductor, Julie McLeish, carrying on the long-standing tradition that Barb Nelson and Vicki Blake have built.

“I was raised in a musical family, was in choirs through high school, college, and church, and love it,” said McLeish. “This truly is a dream come true for me!”

McLeish received a two year vocal music degree from Ricks College, now called Brigham Young University-Idaho. Since then she has directed church choirs off and on, but always wanted to direct one in the community that she resided in. She and her husband, Dennis, grew up here, but have spent the last nine years on southern Idaho, moving back in July of 2017.

“So grateful for this ... my first opportunity,” said McLeish.

Along with McLeish, another new talent is joining the choir as an accompanist, Jeff Hunsaker, a born and raised native of Bonners Ferry. Hunsaker is a full-time piano teacher and he holds music degrees from Wheaton College and University of Idaho, with concentration in composition, piano, and conducting.

There will be two performances this season at the Trinity Lutheran Church, one at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and the other at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. Hunsaker will be performing a special piano sonata during the Friday night performance.

Some songs that the choir will showcase during these concerts are “Heaven and Nature Sing,” arranged by Phillip Kearn; “Great Light,” by Martin and Angerman; “Gesu Bambino,” arranged by Mark Hayes; “All on a Starry Night,” by Williams and Graham; and “The Twelve Days of Christmas Praise,” by Pepper Choplin.

The choir has a rich history, with Barb Nelson directing it from 1978 to 1995, then Vicki Blake joined and conducted the choir with Nelson as the accompanist from 1996-2017.

“They have left a huge legacy for the community, and Jeff and I and all those who have joined me want to carry this on,” said McLeish. “It has been a great way for people of all beliefs to come together once a year in unity and friendship.”

McLeish said she is thankful for those who are continuing as members, and also those who are joining for the first time.

“Special recognition to Carol Dinning who has been in the choir for 41 years,” said McLeish.