Laker Nation News Lake Land College Community Choir celebrates 20 years Posted on November 3, 2017 Lake Land Community Choir For nearly two decades, students and community members have been joining voices in the Lake Land College Community Choir. What started out as a small ensemble designed to enhance fine art opportunities for students has flourished into a well-established choir. People of all ages from surrounding communities come together to share their love of music. “It’s all about the love of singing. And, of course, the great direction by Nancy Caldwell,” Terry Ramsey, Mattoon, choir member since 1999, said. Dr. Caldwell created the choir in 1998 shortly after she was hired as a full-time music instructor. Originally proposed as a show choir, Caldwell figured a choir open to community members would be the best option. “I believed a choir made up of community members who would return each semester might provide some structure to the group, and students could participate according to their level of interest,” she added. Her belief was substantiated, as the choir prepares for its 20th concert Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. in the Lake Land College Theater. Both membership and concerts are free and open to the public. The 20th anniversary brings to mind all those who have come and gone throughout the years and especially those who return each year. In addition to its annual fall and spring concerts, the choir is known to take its show on the road. Mattoon’s Cross County Mall, Brookstone Estates and the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home have all enjoyed personal concerts. Choir member Valerie Probst fondly remembers singing at the Doudna Fine Arts Center with the Eastern Illinois University Choir and Orchestra, along with the Charleston High School Choir and two professional singers. “It was a wonderful experience to sing, feel and hear the combination of choirs with an orchestra,” Probst said. In the beginning, the choir started out rather small, with just 25 members. The members represented all areas of the district, ranging from Mattoon, Charleston, Neoga, Gays, Tuscola and Casey, just to name a few. Ages varied vastly as well, from 18 to 80-years-old. The wide range of communities and ages represented hasn’t changed over the years, but the number of members has doubled in time. Many regulars have been members for 10 years or more. “Students do have the option of taking the choir as a class and earning credits,” Caldwell said. However, the choir is largely populated by community members interested in singing and wanting to be a part of something. Caldwell also emphasized that people with no previous choir experience are welcome to join. There are no auditions and no one is put on the spot. A passion for singing is all that is required. Caldwell herself reflected fondly over the past 20 years. Some of her favorite memories include having her daughter playing bells and snare drum with the choir in the fall of 2009. She also recalls a time when an international student from the Philippines sang with the choir. Since the student was fluent in Spanish, the choir performed a set of three Christmas songs in Spanish. Some of her favorite songs through the years have been a rock ‘n’ roll arrangement of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and a Quaker text aptly titled “How Can I Keep from Singing.” Songs from “The Music Man” and patriotic songs are also choir favorites. “Most of the songs are familiar, but the arrangements are always fresh and new. That is what keeps the choir so fun and light-hearted,” Ramsey said. Guest musicians often join the choir. Flute, drums, guitar, French horn and piano soloists have all been featured in various concerts throughout the years. One consistent spark to the singing group has been a featured pianist. Ann Roedl, Effingham, played with the choir for nearly 9 years. Dr. Mirta Donnelley, Altamont, now plays with the group. These accompaniments keep the performances fresh and exciting, Caldwell said. Many Lake Land faculty and staff have enjoyed being a part of the community choir over 20 years. Lake Land’s Emergency Services Programs Coordinator Jasmine Ballard joined the choir with a friend when she was a student. “We both loved to sing, and it was nice to feel like you belonged somewhere. Working towards a common goal was constructive for me as a student,” she said. Members emphasize the pride they feel after a performance, when all the hard work pays off. “Nancy makes it all possible. Her expertise is what makes the group so special,” several members have said. “None of this would be possible without the dedication of the members. They are what makes the group so special,” Caldwell said. After 20 years, both teacher and members deserve to sing some praise. Read More Laker Nation News