Matzke notes that Whitehall’s Vince Browand is the Interim Director for the spring Chorale concert. “Understandably role of Director as it has evolved is one that any candidate will want to approach ‘for a proper fit.’ All publicity for the search is crucial, and hopefully wider circulation of the search will benefit the Chorale.”

Matzke has total praise for this unique and dedicated group of singers who have redefined the professionalism an amateur Chorale can reach. “It has been an incredible experience to have had these enthusiastic and innovative singers to work with. In our joint association, we truly have been able to break out of standard definitions of repertoire and performance possibilities.”

Donalee Knowlton, the Director’s Assistant in Business, describes the search as starting in the late spring with information in the White Lake Beacon, and the website MLIVE. (MLIVE will be reactivated Oct. 1) “We asked members initially to suggest candidates. We did interview three this summer, including Vince Browand, our Interim Director for the spring concert.” (Inquiries are welcome at the Lebanon Lutheran Church office 231-893-5745, or info@whitelakechorale.com)

Carol Brand-Twa, Assistant Director (Music), also notes that “we are still looking. The Chorale is a level that it creates a challenge for a new Director. We are OK with that. We can wait. This is a phenomenal Chorale any Director would enjoy.”

Carol goes on to explain that “what has worked so well with Walt is the interchange between the Director and the ideas and talents of the Chorale members. Chorale allegiance feeds into wanting what we have to continue. Our members see it as a tribute to Walt and our own desire for Chorale success.”

Donalee (Director’s Assistant – Business) emphasizes that Chorale members work with the Director to alleviate and share the load. “The Director is not expected to do everything. Members, such as myself, take over the business demands.”

Donalee and Carol are members the WLC (singing as tenors or tenorettes) with active parts in this phenomenal musical experience.

Carol, a retired music teacher, is no tough veteran when she describes what it is like to be a WLC member. “There is a sense of pride of working together as we face challenges we never expected to conquer. We work with the singers to help them do their best. That is only the beginning. From that challenge we express our feelings from the heart. When we realize ‘We did it,’ that music gives us warm, fuzzy, goose bump feelings, even tears.”

You can enjoy the music that creates all those feelings at the Fifth Annual Tapestry of Christmas concert, Saturday, Dec. 15 at 4:00 and 7:00 PM, at the Montague Center for the Performing Arts.

An additional Christmas Gift will be, for the first time, the Four Piano Extravaganza Holiday Concert on Sunday Dec. 9 at 3:30 PM also at the Montague Performing Arts.

All performances are Free Will Contribution but you must obtain tickets. Contact info@whitelakechorale.com for free tickets and information.