ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 14, 1995 TAG: 9512140033
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
A singing Christmas tree, populated by members of the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church, will offer secular and sacred music at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17.
The choir wears green robes with bibs of small white lights, blending in with the green of the tree.
The church presented its first singing Christmas tree program in 1981, after the tree stand was designed and built by the late Fred Swinbern. H.J. Sizer helped with the construction, which was done at Coleman Furniture Co.
The stand is in place for a dress rehearsal Sunday, said Bettye Steger, choir director. It was erected this year by the men of the church under Oscar Seagle.
The lights worn by the singers, operated from battery packs, were made at Pulaski County High School with the work overseen by Charles Ward.
Rehearsals for the program have been under way since August.
Suzanne Steele is accompanist. The Handbell Choir will also participate.
Among the soloists will be John Freeman, Tom Pullen, Thornton Wampler, David Mitchell, Alan Groseclose, Rod Layman, Oscar Seagle, Tina Fiast, Karolyn Pullen and Dotty Talbott.
Dr. Bill McGuire and Steger will sing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
LENGTH: Short : 31 linesby CNB