This past weekend, the Central Oregon Mastersingers, under the direction of Clyde Thompson, presented Harvest. It was a benefit concert for our affiliate. 

Clyde did a spectacular job with song selection.  The concert unfolded a story of love, support and community that highlighted our mission beautifully through songs such as; Shall We Gather at the River, Old Man by Neil Young, an arrangement by Clyde of Bridge Over Troubled Water/You've Got a Friend, one of my personal favorites, Agnus Dei and Make Our Garden Grow by Leonard Bernstein.  There was so much more to this lush chorale event.

The group was accompanied by many talented musicians who lent their talents on piano or synthesizer, percussion, orchestra bells, flute.  The sunday performance was even lucky enough to enjoy Bill Keale as he stepped in to take the lead voice and guitar on a song he wrote, All for One.

During the intermission I went behind the scenes to say a special thank you to this fabulous group of singers.  Have you ever wondered what singers do during break?

Visit, kibitz their first half performance, drink lots of water, and pose for pictures:

Small selection of songbirds

I was thoroughly impressed by how quickly these songjays lined up in this perfect perfect V of height.  Much like geese.  Perhaps I should call them songgeese instead.

Both performances were well attended and we want to say thank you to all of those who came to not only enjoy the music but to support Bend Area Habitat for Humanity.  The concert was a successful collaboration of so many community members for so many community members.  And that is what BAHfH is all about.  Serving the community.

Thank you to Clyde and Jo Ann Thompson, the Mastersingers, the instrumentalists, the First Presbyterian Church, the First Pres. media master, and everyone else who put time and energy into making this wonderful event happen.