On Dec. 2, during the last day of three performances, Coastal Chorale's Christmas show brightened up the lives of a full house audience in the First Methodist Church of Foley.

The class of musically developed by Coastal Chorale members thrilled the audience. All members are regular citizens (not professional musicians) who work in factories, convenience stores, drive trucks, teach, etc. who just like to sing together, and this is the season for it.

Under a magic baton beautifully handled byconductor, Doug Brasell, Coastal Chorale opened with an original and thrilling song, “Ring the Bells” by Rosephanye Powell.

Of course, Christmas is a time for hope, joy, peace and happiness. This new number, published in 2012, was also delivered with Christmas cheer. Everyone saw a tradition forthcoming, and the glorious tone of the evening was set.

A roaring “Glee-ful Christmas Medley” sprang forth with several Christmas songs that awakened a sparkle which was received with bravos from a happy audience. Tenor, Walter Puckett, sailed into “Jingle Bells” just like he belonged behind a snow covered sleigh while the lovely alto voice of Betsy McKinney thrilled everyone with “Merry Christmas, Darling.” Mark Brymer arranged this wonderful ride through the season with his masterful hand.

Bass II Marcus Willis is usually a teacher (BCHS) and actor in Baldwin County Fine Arts Groups. As a colorful Grinch in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Willis gave us a smooth rendition of a nasty old man, on the light side. Even the three, live musicians, accompanist Jonathan Wallace, percussionist David White and bassist Michael Danielson, sounded like a full orchestra.

Diane Patty (Soprano), Keith Foster (Bass) and Walter Puckett (Tenor) sang “Come Join Their Song” which crafted a melody that stirred up the lively audience for additional bravos. Immediately following was the spirited voice of Soprano II, Sharon Moore, with Mel Torme's “A Christmas Song” and “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” scents nearly wafted throughout the room.

A clever comic rendition of “No Time to Diet” opened further enthusiasm and set the stage with the blending of four performers “Hallelujah, Light Has Come.” Marsha Scarborough with Karen Clements, Jana Trawick and Kathy Staska sang beautifully about what Mary would have sung, with praises to God for His beautiful gift.

“Breath of Heaven” was sung by Nicole Teague, Alto, then, “A Swingin' Christmas” (with extraordinaire Tenors and Basses) and “A Starry Night” were all done to perfection leading into an intermission that, so it seemed, no one wanted. The audience was vibrant in their enthusiasm to rush into part two.

“Lux Aurumque” opened the second half with a Christmas text sung by the entire Coastal Chorale ensemble who wove a rich choral tapestry of life and the soft voices of angels.

Moving rapidly into “A Winter Blast” was a trio of delightful: Karina Anderson, Tracey Best and Jennifer Watkins (sopranos) enjoying “Hot Chocolate,” with “Frosty the Snowman” and “Suzy Snowflake.” They left the audience in a bright swing tempo, tapping the floor with their feet. Karina Anderson stayed on to open up traditional Christmas songs like “Away in a Manger” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” while Keith Foster, Walter Puckett, Jan Zuercher and Marcus Willis joined in wowing us with an up-tempo jazz rendition. The audience became wild with excitement.

“What Are You Doing New Years” rounded off an enjoyment that would be hard to find anywhere else. Minus the dancing, the Coastal Chorale might match Radio City Music Hall's annual Christmas extravaganza.

Voices other than soloists mentioned above are: (Sopranos) Linda Crowell, Brandice Griffin, Marsha Guyer, Carol Holman, Amy Hoover, Cristina Robu Meyer, Kim Mosley Middleton, Diana Patty, April Shephard, Crystal Utz, Nettie Weber and Katherine Young. (Altos) Susan Avery, Jane Capsis, Joyce Cody, Eileen Fraier, Deborah Hood, Debhbie Tindal and Terry Willis. (Tenors) Kim Brantley, Tom Davidson, Bo Graham, Tommy Patterson, Theresa Wood, and Austin Young. (BASS also in grand voices): John Andres, Don Aspray, Joe Deese, Maynard Hellbusch, Shane Langley, Jeremy Perkins, Charles Sechrest and Walter Tatum. If anyone missed a beat or note, it wasn’t noticed by this full house of cheerful people.

As we walked to our cars from this splendid concert, we overheard somone say, “I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me.” Now that was the spirit intended, and it took beautifully.

Anyone wishing to contact Coastal Chorale for participation, upcoming concerts, or working with their board, contact Terry Burkle, marketing coordinator at 251-924-6695 or email hometech@gulftel.com.