March 22, 2012
Mama's Old Song Book

A concert of country and gospel music
Saturday, May 5, 2012, 7:30pm, Benton St. Baptist Church, Kitchener
Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 7:30pm, Steinmann Mennonite Church, Baden

Some of the fondest childhood memories many of us have shared are the nights after supper, when the dishes were put away and the wood was brought in. Mama would get out her old song book and gather us around her or the piano. We’d sing country and gospel songs ‘till it was time to go to bed. We would sing gospel favourites such as Peace in the Valley, Give Me Oil in My Lamp, Oh Happy Day, My Father’s House and On the Jericho Road. Then there were the country song favourites such as Red River Valley, Get Along Boys, Grandma’s Feather Bed, I’ve Been Everywhere, Man and Mama Don’t Allow No Guitar Playin’ ‘Round Here! When life becomes a struggle, it seems that all it takes is haulin’ out Mama’s Old Songbook.

Our concerts will be lead by Dr. Alfred Kunz, our artistic director and conductor. Our dynamic and charismatic conductor not only is capable of making community choirs sing, but has a keen sense of programming and artistic direction. His passion for music and his energy on stage will certainly make this concert series one to remember.

The voices of Music Alive of Kitchener and the Nith Valley Singers of New Hamburg will carry our audiences on a journey through the beauty and intricacies of country and gospel music. This journey will be a delicious blend of songs from the past and the present. These choirs will continue to blow your mind with their exploration and presentation of various sounds and styles of country and gospel music. Classical, spiritual, gospel, jazz, folk, blues and rock, they have it all! Just like Mama’s Old Songbook!

The Millennium Choral Organization will share the stage with Erick Traplin, KW’s well-known singer, songwriter and entertainer. Erick’s musical performances are fun-filled with high energy and lots of audience participation. Besides singing two segments during the program, he will lead the audience in a best loved country and gospel sing-a-long. Erick will also join the instrumental ensemble for a few numbers on his guitar.

Join the Millennium Choral Organization, Waterloo Region’s choral treasure, for a night of country and gospel music. As a member of our audience your musical horizons will be broaden to include all genres of country and gospel music. Deck yourselves in easy country attire and blue jeans. Choose one of two concerts for your listening pleasure. There are group rates for 10 people or more. All churches and retirement communities are welcome.

Regular Tickets
Adults $20, Seniors/Students $15, Children (12 and under) $10

Group Tickets (10 or more)
Adults $16, Seniors/Students $12, Children (12 and under) $8

Tickets available from
Millennium Choral Organization Office (reservations accepted)
Choir Members
Uppercase Books, 81 Peel Street, New Hamburg ON

Information
519 662-3291
kunzmusc@sentex.net
www.kunzmusic.ca / Choir Associations

As noted in the University of Waterloo citation for Alfred Kunz's honorary doctorate:

"A national treasure in the field of composition and choral conducting, Alfred Kunz has contributed his enormous creative and organizational energies to the musical culture of the German Canadian community, in general, and to the Kitchener-Waterloo community, in particular, since 1955. For forty years he has been involved with the Concordia Club Choirs and is the driving spirit behind the founding of several choral groups, including the Waterloo Regional Police Male Chorus, the Bach Kantate Singers, the Joshua Singers, the Nith Valley Singers, Music Alive Choral Organization, and the Millennium Concert Choir.

For a decade and a half during the early years of the University of Waterloo, Alfred Kunz was involved in music making with the campus community. During this time he organized choirs and presented many challenging performances drawn from the classical repertoire as well as from his own work. As a composer, his works have been performed by various professional and amateur organizations across Canada and, indeed, in Europe. He is prolific, and inclined to the avant-garde.

Alfred Kunz is committed to the concept of music as a life skill rather than as a performance technique. His work has consistently demonstrated his unflagging commitment to the very ideal of music and to music itself as a necessity for a truly humane society.

As a composer, choral director, arranger, and music coach, Mr. Kunz has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to make music not for the few but for the many: the common property of all."