Prairie Singers concert a hit for local students

Sun City Prairie Singers put on a hit show on June 8 at the Willow Creek Community Church of Huntley. The cast of 79 Prairie Singers, 22 Prairie Voices, and nine Prairie Singers Pit Ensemble members with accompanist Barbara Klein were all directed by Denise Caliendo. 

The hours of practice and crew of volunteers, ushers, ticket sellers, sound and lighting teams, and generous support to the musical programs all played an essential role in the production’s success.

Frank Gaughan and Joan Riffner skillfully guided the audience through the Spring Concert musical program, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It was a time for everyone to sit back, relax, and fully immerse themselves in the music. 

Fred Joob, President of the Prairie Singers, shared, “The music selections were a delightful mix of familiar tunes, including some from MGM productions, Singing in The Rain, San Francisco, A Salute to Doo-Wop, and the Impossible Dream, all of which were part of the first half of the program.”

Soloists Fred Joob, Cindy Ptak, and Donna Dunk gave an outstanding performance of “Why We Sing,” words and music by Greg Gilpin. The Prairie Voices, a select group of singers who perform as an ambassador group of the Prairie singers, sang “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Mississippi Mud.” Besides performing in concerts, the group travels to various functions throughout the year, performing at retirement facilities, community events, memorial services, and family and charter club events. R.D. Holloman has directed the Prairie Voices for 18 years.

Joob said, “The second half provided more familiar tunes: ‘It’s My Party Medley,’ ‘Sweet Caroline,’ the Theme from ‘New York, New York,’ and ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’ are some of the favorites sung.”

The concert provided an opportunity to present $500 Scholarships to local Huntley High School students. Four students were selected to receive the scholarships from the Prairie Singers. 

Job said, “There were ten students who applied for the scholarships. The criteria used to select the winners included their pursuit of further education in the fine arts programs of music, theatre, and band. We were very excited to present a $500 scholarship to four very deserving young men and women from the music department at Huntley High School: Ava Burns, Chance Sherman, Emma Swiersz, and Logan Young. Congratulations to these fine young people who will continue to make amazing music in their future endeavors.”

Logan Young and Chance Sherman were present at the concert to receive their scholarship. Ava and Emma could not attend due to prior obligations.

Save the date for the next Prairie Singers Holiday Concert, which will be held on Saturday, December 14. Tickets will go on sale in November.

Joob invites residents to consider joining The Sun City Prairie Singers.

“The Sun City Prairie Singer would love to have you join us. We are a chorus of sopranos, altos, tenors, and bass,” he said. “If you love to sing and would like to be a part of our chorus, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at 847-669-0997 or email me at Fredjoob1952@gmail.com. As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to perform in various events throughout the year and be part of a supportive and passionate community of singers.”

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