West Bay Chorale Sings For Appreciative Crowd

The West Bay Chorale enjoyed the rapt attention and vigorous applause of a crowd of about 55 Sunday night at the for their performance, "Sounds of the Season."

People began showing up a little before 4 p.m., bowing heads behind collars and beneath umbrellas as rain drove sideways against them. The church's warm and dry interior was filled with a quiet buzz and anticipatory ambiance. Just inside the door, John Moran sat behind a card table, collecting and selling tickets for the show. His wife, Debra, sings with the Chorale, he said. She's been with the group for the last 10 years.

Ushering for the event was another husband of a Chorale singer —Gordon Martin, whose wife, Joan, has been with the Chorale for about 15 years. He greeted patrons with programs for the evening's performance, and a smile.

The Chorale didn't keep folks waiting very long. They filed in front of the altar and took a few moments for some introductions before starting the performance: The chorus itself, accompanist Susan Carroll, CCRI music professor Eric Gargrave and music director Amanda Santo.

The first piece performed was "Laetatus sum," followed by "Ave Maria," and ranged from "Apple Tree," "I Saw Three Ships," "Oh, Little Town of Hackensack" and sing-alongs for "Joy to the World," "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." There were at least three pauses for the generous and enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

The West Bay Chorale's next performance is Dec. 18, 7 p.m., at the Warwick Mall.