Testimonial from one of our Carolers . . .
It was a Sunday in December, like most others, where the carolers were on their appointed rounds. First to a book signing downtown to sing and enjoy purchasing some autographed books. A volunteer was disappointed she missed hearing the carolers. Since there was another group performing at that time the carolers couldn’t sing for her inside but asked her to step outside and they would sing her a song. During the song tears started to flow from the volunteer and I don’t believe the carolers will ever know the full detail of how they touched that life that day.
Then on to a church where the small, but enthusiastic, group played a large part in the success of the time with the carolers. One especially exuberant lady spurred on the group to be more energetic than they wanted to be but that little bit grew to be more than the whole. On a side note, the audience probably doesn’t realize how much part of the performance is enhanced on how they respond, or don’t respond. Everyone had a great time.
The last gig of the night was at a small community church where about 75 gathered to enjoy some singing, and afterwards a desert social with time for decorating the church. It started like most gigs with a strolling song coming in and an ice breaker of song #40, “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas”. This was followed by a request for #25 by a fellow sitting in the front named Chuck. Now Chuck had a rather tough week but decided to come and enjoy the night to help get his mind off the last weeks events. The carolers took the bold move by Chuck as a chance to drop in “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”. This seemed to get the group in a great mood to enjoy the rest of the concert. Chuck was also kind enough to do a “solo” on “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” as well and played right into the crowds hands. He was great and having a wonderful time. The group went on to the caroler aerobics, “The Twelve Days Of Christmas”, and watch the alto and soprano run from the front of the church to the back for each different day. This was quite fun for the bass since he didn’t have to move at all and was quite entertained. The gig finished with no other notable excitement.
Now what the carolers didn’t know about Chuck was that earlier in the week, his father passed away and only the day before they had the memorial service for his father. You see he wasn’t feeling at the top of his world, but Chuck came to the concert and some healing had already begun.
As a Dickens Caroler, it is times like these that keep the desire in me and keep me coming back year after year. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful organization. God Bless you all!!