SRC Community Chorus

"...the arts have been an inseparable part of the human journey; indeed, we depend on the arts to carry us toward the fullness of our humanity. We value them for themselves, and because we do, we believe knowing and practicing them is fundamental to the healthy development of our children's minds and spirits. That is why, in any civilization - ours included - the arts are inseparable from the very meaning of the term 'education.' We know from long experience that no one can claim to be truly educated who lacks basic knowledge and skills in the arts."

-National Standards for Arts Education

The SRC Community Chorus was formed in 2005 by Carol Davis, then-SRC's Dean of Community and Workforce Education, to (1) provide quality entertainment within the Spoon River College District; (2) provide an avenue for local talents to perform; and (3) raise funds to support the SRC Foundation's scholarship program and performing arts/equipment at SRC. A generous grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois assisted in the group's establishment.

Entering its 15^th season in December 2019, the Chorus membership has grown to over 200 students, community members, SRC faculty and staff, and friends of the college. These members serve as musicians, technicians, singers, actors, visual artists, and dancers. Because we believe that the performing arts should be open to anyone with a love of performance, auditions to participate are not required and a spot is found for anyone who desires to take part.

Annual performances include revues, plays, concerts, and musicals. Depending on the type of offerings, performance venues may be the SRC Theatre on the Canton Campus in Taylor Hall, local dinner theatre venues, district church sanctuaries, or open air facilities.

The SRC Community Chorus, operating under the auspices of the SRC Foundation, has established six $10,000 named endowed scholarships which are awarded in perpetuity. The scholarships recognize former Chorus members and include the Harley L. Davis Memorial Scholarship, the Tom Greenwell Memorial Scholarship, the Marge Saville Memorial Scholarship, the Roger Howerter Memorial Scholarship, the Gail A. Mathis Memorial Scholarship, and the Vicki Murphy Memorial Scholarship. The chorus is currently funding the David L. Bishop Memorial Scholarship.

Membership/participation is open to anyone with a love of performance. Contact Carol Davis at carol.davis@src.edu or cdavis.tenacious@gmail.com; or Colin Davis, SRC Foundation Director, at colin.davis@src.edu or (309) 649-6395.

Current Season:

Following a very successful 2018-19 season, we are pleased to announce our 2019-20 performance schedule:

Frosty Airs and Fables (December 7 and 8, 2019, 7 p.m., First Christian Church, Canton)

A wide variety of engaging, winter holiday music, including a dramatic musical performance of "Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus."
We welcome all to be part of our winter concert; no auditions are required.
Contact Carol Davis (carol.davis@src.edu or cdavis.tenacious@gmail.com) for rehearsal schedule and more information.

Burl Ives, Midwestern Minstrel with Barry Cloyd (February 9, 2020, 3 p.m., SRC Theater)

Join internationally-known and award-winning singer/songwriter/musician Barry Cloyd and friends in remembering the late, great Burl Ives, musician, actor, and legendary snowman in the iconic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Check out Barry on Facebook!

From Broadway to L.A. (June 5-6, 2020, 7 p.m., June 7, 2020, 3 p.m., SRC Theater)

A fast-paced musical revue, featuring some of Broadway's and Hollywood's best numbers.
The show will include short scenes from Broadway musicals and Hollywood movies, and the songs that follow them.
Featured will be a tribute to the genius of Walt Disney Productions.

Current News:

Adaptation of Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus to Highlight Concert

Kate Fitzjarrald as Virginia O'Hanlon and B.J. Stone as Francis P. Church

The classic story Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus will be featured in the SRC Community Chorus's Frosty Airs & Fables concert. The concert will be performed on December 7 and 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Canton.

In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon sent a letter to the New York Sun asking if Santa Claus really existed. Francis P. Church's poignant editorial response has become a Christmas classic which remains relevant today.

The dramatization, adapted by Carol Davis, features Kate Fitzjarrald as Virginia and B.J. Stone as Francis P. Church.

"Kate embodies the innocence and tenacity of the young Virginia," said Carol Davis, Artistic Director for the SRC Community Chorus. "And B. J. Stone's interpretation of the editorial reminds us that as long as there is hope and love in the world, Santa exists for everyone."

The story is underscored by a musical arrangement entitled Yes, Virginia, by Andy Beck. Soloists are Tori Albanito and Colin Davis.

Only a handful of tickets remain for the Sunday, December 8 concert. Saturday is sold out. The concert is under the direction of John L. Davis. Call (309) 649-6260 for more information.