July 27, 2016

RSVP: Lead With Experience

By Bill Sedlacek
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Eastern Iowa and Western Illnois

Silver Linings Bell Choir

“You have to be able to read music to join, but only need to listen to enjoy.” If I had to sum up my impression of the RSVP sponsored Silver Linings Bell Choir in one sentence, that would do it.

The choir, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, had its first performance of the season at the Ridgecrest senior residence center in Davenport last month. I arrived a little early to introduce myself to my contact, Dave Smith, who I would describe as their “PR” man, and watched them unload and set up for the performance. Not knowing much about bell choirs or music in general, I was surprised by how much is involved in setting up a show. The bells themselves, packed in hard cover cases with soft cloth linings, are not light. Dave’s wife, Sharon, while wrestling 40 pound cases, said “Next time I’m joining a spoon choir.”

As they set up, Ridgecrest residents were already filing in the room apparently having heard the choir before and not wanting to be late for a stellar performance. The choir unpacked their bells, the foam noise suppression pads, the plush cloth covers for the pads and their music stands with a military precision that left me wondering “How do they do that without getting in each other’s way?”

The choir, under the able direction of Cathy Wear, began with “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”, and then, as Dave explained to me, the rest of the program was a variety of “Pop” music. As the bells rang out the timeless classics like “Puff the Magic Dragon” and “Home on the Range,” it left me, and I’m sure other audience members, a little misty eyed in remembrance of past adventures.

About midway through the performance, Lois Jones gave the bell ringers a rest and cranked up a sing-along with Joyce Fentem joining in on the piano. The audience enjoyed this as much as I did and sang right along. After the sing-along, the bells took over again with a precision born of what must be extensive practice. For the last musical number, “The Star Spangled Banner,” the audience was invited to join in. True to the practice of our age group, even those of the audience who had to struggle to rise out of their chairs and hold onto their walkers did so and held their hand over their heart.

I asked Dave if any of the Choir members had musical backgrounds such as a music teacher. He said he had been an engineer and the other choir members include a teacher, a medical professional, and a television producer. They range in age from their 60s to their 80s. I could not pick out those in their 80s and some certainly looked younger that their 60s. Maybe they all have what I would call a “Youth Halo,” that younger appearance one can acquire in their golden years by keeping busy and doing something that you love. The only requirement to join the Choir is an ability to read music, a love of music, and a willingness to practice at CASI every Thursday from May through September. They need at least three more members and then, as Cathy told me, they can play in three octaves rather than two. I nodded as if I knew what she was talking about not wanting to ask “What’s an Octave?” Two octaves or three, it was a great performance.

If you missed this first 2016 performance, there are ten more. You can get the schedule by calling RSVP at (309) 793-4425 or email rsvp@wiaaa.org. Remember, they still need members. Call RSVP to join. Maybe I should learn to read music and join. Maybe then Cathy will explain “Octaves” to me.

Filed Under: Community

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