Cove Community Chorus Concert Once Again a 'Huge Success'

The Cove Community Chorus once again was a huge success in its spring concert. Sue Stoudnour directed the chorus with its concert entitled "Listen to the Music" on March 23 and March 24 at the Spring Cove Middle School auditorium, Roaring Spring.

The auditorium, with a seating capacity of 500, was almost full at each performance.

"The chorus singers are a great source of fun, inspiration, faith and friendship," Stoudnour said. "These singers are dedicated to bringing music alive, sharing the message and the fun of every song. Following in the footsteps of Tom Kunkle is a hard path, but a challenge."

Ricky Howsare was a special treat for this year's concert. Howsare is a uniquely diverse performer. For the past two years, Howsare worked at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster as a featured singer. In 2014, he began sharing the Gospel through his music in many churches along the east coast. He now serves as the worship director at Central Assembly of God in Cumberland, Maryland. Howsare is not only very talented, he is witty and charming and captivates the audience.

Executive producer Tom Kunkle has some health issues which led him to retire as director of the chorus in December 2018. Stoudnour, asked Kunkle to stay on as executive producer and he accepted the role graciously.

Kunkle has been a church choir director for more than 50 years and director of three community choruses although he never sang in a chorus or choir. Kunkle delighted the audience with his presence and directed a song each night at the request of Stoudnour.

This concert had some unique dancers in it. Men dancers Chris Moore, Wayne Kagarise and O. Gene Sollenberger delighted the audience with their brightly colored tutus and boots. Dancers from Becky's School of Dance, East Freedom, also put smiles on the faces of the audience. Amber Steiner and Lucretia Himes were the choreographers of Kiki Herron, Adacyn James, Hannah Pearce and Danica Sunderland.

Soloists Luanne Eckenrode, Priscilla Ritchey and Lois Campbell were joined by the choir in the performance of "How Can I Thank You Enough." Eric Keim sang "Sit Down Servant." Tricia Forshey delighted the audience with her solo "I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary."

Howsare took your breath away when he sang "End of the Beginning"and "How Great Thou Art." Angela Blanchard sang a solo "Just Tell Them When You Saw Me I Was On My Way." Mary Beth Hoover sang "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin," and Gary Snowberger sang "The Lighthouse."

Mandi Bloom sang "These Boots are Made For Walkin'" as women of the choir danced.

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin was honored by the choir and Angela Blanchard stunned the audience as she sang the role of Franklin. Dressed in a black sequin dress and a white fur jacket, it made you feel like she was the real Franklin.

Howsare honored the veterans of the audience and choir. He started the presentation by singing a beautiful song called "Bring Him Home." The auditorium was alive with the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner."

This performances of Cove Community Chorus will not be forgotten.

The annual Christmas concert, entitled "Best Christmas Ever," will be in November of this year. The Cove Community Chorus will start rehearsal for this concert in early fall.

A CD and DVD recording will be available. You can fill out a form and drop it off at the Roaring Spring True Value store. The deadline date for orders will be Monday, April 15,