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Performance showcases local music
"Meet Me in Missouri," a program of Missouri music written by people from Missouri, will be held at the Fox Playhouse, 110 South Main in Nevada this Saturday, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, at 2 p.m. It will be a culmination of a year of preparation on the part of the Vernon County Historical Society and Marsha Martin, director, in cooperation with the Missouri Arts Council.
Martin put this fifth program on Missouri music together in January 2010. She came back to Nevada from her home in Massachusetts in April, selected the performers, and after some discussion on how to say Missouri, gave them their music. The cast practiced alone until July when Martin returned and they actually rehearsed at the Community of Christ Church. They are finalizing the program by practicing every evening this week.
The Missouri singers are all local talents and have held at least twenty-three Ensemble Rehearsals for three or more hours each time practicing for the program. Teresa Sword, soprano, holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Sacred Church Music from Evangel College and has performed with the college chorus and chorale, has directed the Nevada Community Choir, has recorded four solo CDs, plays flute, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, piano, organ, accordion, violin, and cello, and is the music director of the Hume School.
Bonnie Query sings soprano and has given concerts for the group "Undivided Heart," and has recorded several CDs. She sings for many events, and was pianist for the chapel services at the Community Christian Church in Kansas City, Mo., and has performed in several Community Council for Performing Arts productions, and has sung in the four previous "Meet Me in Missouri" performances.
Paula Gray, alto, has shared her vocal talent at many church functions, the Osage River Baptist Association meetings, Missouri State Fair, and sang at national competition in Orlando, Fla. She's taught music at Vacation Bible Schools for 25 years, holds solo concerts, sings at weddings and funerals, nursing homes and local festivals, has performed at numerous Community Choir performances, and plays the trumpet, tonal bass drum and percussion instruments.
Scott Theis, tenor, majored in music in college and performed in several bands during high school and college. He is a member of a blues/rock band, sings for weddings, funerals and plays and teaches guitar. He has performed in several Community Choir programs.
Todd Weber, tenor, has been singing in churches on a regular basis, sings for funerals, weddings, various community choirs, and has performed in more than 16 musical theater productions. He has also recorded some of his songs.
John Scarborough, baritone, played in marching and concert bands in high school and at the University of Missouri at Rolla. He has been a member of the United Methodist Chancel Choir for 30 years, active in the Community Choir and has sung in two "Meet Me in Missouri" programs.
Kenny Jones, Bass -- Retired Postal Worker, started his singing career in high school and college, competed two years is state competition in high school and one year of performances with the Big Ten Concert Choir, including recording a concert record, has appeared in several productions with the CCPA and has been singing solos, duets and in a quartet at his church for the last 25 years.
Mary Sisseck is the gospel songs guest pianist.
The New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music exhibit will be open at the Bushwhacker Museum after Sunday's performance. This will be your final opportunity to enjoy the Smithsonian exhibit.