Written by Jack Kile
Several years ago, Dick Voakes, an active member of the Oshkosh Winnebagoland Chapter, had a vision. That was to bring together people from the community for a musical celebration of the Christmas season. He did not want the show to be made up exclusively of barbershop groups, but desired to include other groups (male and female, youth and adult) representing a wide diversity of types and styles of music. In the spirit of giving back to the community, Dick’s wishes were to keep overhead low and have all proceeds go to local charities. His plan received support from the chapter’s board and he began planning for the first concert which was held in 2001.
On December 7th, 2008, the Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus presented its 8th Annual Community Sounds of Christmas Charity Concert to an audience of about one thousand people. The eight performing groups from Oshkosh included mixed choirs from South Park, Webster Stanley, and Carl Traeger middle schools, the North High School Madrigal Singers, Lourdes High School Concert Choir, West High School Chorale, the Y-Nots (a senior singing group), and the Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus.
On December 7th, 2008, the Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus presented its 8th Annual Community Sounds of Christmas Charity Concert to an audience of about one thousand people. The eight performing groups from Oshkosh included mixed choirs from South Park, Webster Stanley, and Carl Traeger middle schools, the North High School Madrigal Singers, Lourdes High School Concert Choir, West High School Chorale, the Y-Nots (a senior singing group), and the Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus.
Oshkosh Community Charity Concert - Sing along with the audience and mass choir
Each group performed two numbers and designated a charity for their share of the proceeds. The event raised over $7000, equally distributed among the groups participating. The designated local charities included the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society, Boys and Girls Club, Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Red Cross, and Bosom Buddies (a cancer support group).
The highlight of the concert was the mass choir of about 400 voices, directed by Herb Berendsen (Director of Vocal Music at Oshkosh West High School and a past director of the Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus), singing “Winter Wonderland,” “What Child is This,” and “Repeat the Sounding Joy.” As was the case with previous concerts, the rich, full sound of the mass choir was a crowd pleaser and a fitting way to end the concert.
In its eight years, the concert has played to about 9000 people and raised about $60,000 for local charities. The event has created a spirit of giving and good will within the community and beyond. A number of individuals and groups, outside of the local barbershop chapter, have donated time and services (e.g., printing, advertising, promotion and sale of tickets) and the auditorium has been provided rent-free.
While this special concert has truly become a team effort, it would have never happened without Dick Voake’s vision. He remains the glue and catalyst that makes it go.
See more photos of this event in the photo gallery.
The highlight of the concert was the mass choir of about 400 voices, directed by Herb Berendsen (Director of Vocal Music at Oshkosh West High School and a past director of the Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus), singing “Winter Wonderland,” “What Child is This,” and “Repeat the Sounding Joy.” As was the case with previous concerts, the rich, full sound of the mass choir was a crowd pleaser and a fitting way to end the concert.
In its eight years, the concert has played to about 9000 people and raised about $60,000 for local charities. The event has created a spirit of giving and good will within the community and beyond. A number of individuals and groups, outside of the local barbershop chapter, have donated time and services (e.g., printing, advertising, promotion and sale of tickets) and the auditorium has been provided rent-free.
While this special concert has truly become a team effort, it would have never happened without Dick Voake’s vision. He remains the glue and catalyst that makes it go.
See more photos of this event in the photo gallery.
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