Bellflower Civic Chorus to present festive winter program

The Bellflower Civic Chorus is originally from Downey but moved to Bellflower in 1989. The chorus is performing a Christmas concert Dec. 13-14. Photo courtesy Bellflower Civic Chorus

BELLFLOWER – The Bellflower Civic Chorus is presenting their annual winter concert, The Holidaze, under the fabulous direction of Joshua Beall, Dec. 13-14 at the William and Jane Bristol Civic Auditorium in Bellflower. It is a great way to welcome in the holiday season. Save those dates.

I had an opportunity to attend a rehearsal recently and the room was filled with rich, glorious voices. It was fabulous, and the excellence was something I haven’t experienced since I was a school and arts administrator at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA).

It is a mixed voice chorus of 42 singers and music lovers that range in age from 30 to 80 years old. Think sopranos, altos, tenors, baritones, and bass. Most have had some music experience or training and are returning to it.

The Holidaze program includes an afternoon filled with beautiful medleys and uplifting arrangements of:

Snow: A Winter Celebration
Star of Wonder
The 12 days of Regifted Christmas
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Let There be Peace on Earth

And it has more than one direct connection to Downey.

It was founded by Alice Brindle and Bill Jones in 1965 as the Downey Civic Chorus. It began as an adult singing class at Downey High School known as The Voices of Phelan under the direction of Marge Phelan.

In 1989, the City of Bellflower offered the non-profit group free rehearsal and performance space along with some financial support and it became the Bellflower Civic Chorus.

The Bellflower Civic Chorus has provided the community with a musical organization that gives to the city of Bellflower lasting relationships with its people through its contributions to the fine arts program.

The musical director and conductor is the talented Joshua Beall who studied at the University of Redlands. He has been directing and conducting this chorus for eight years. The pianist is Hani Young.

Beall grew up in Downey, attending Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and Loyola High School. From 2012 until 2021, he was the music teacher and principal at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. He is currently the music teacher at Beatitudes of our Lord School in La Mirada. Children from his class will be featured in The Holidaze for a special number.

Beall is full of enthusiasm and knows exactly what he wants from his singers. He is not laid back, he is fully invested. He is in it with them, in full motion helping them to be their very best. And they are with him too.

Beall who teaches TK through 8th grade says, “There is a need for music education for older adults too.”

He’s right. There is a need for meaningful arts opportunities and experiences for older adults.

Downey’s friendly and cheerful Melody Ashley, is a member of the Downey United Methodist Church Choir. She was prompted to join after attending a May performance with her father after her husband passed away.

“Anyone can join. We rehearse Tuesdays from 5 pm until 7:30 pm and some Saturdays. I have always been in a choir. Music makes my heart happy. Music speaks to the soul. I want to be part of that sound that is amazing. It’s uplifting.”

Angie and Bill Rademaker, who were members of the Christ Lutheran Church Choir, were invited to join by Jones around 2009. Angie’s introduction to music was with the Glee Club at Huntington Park High School. Bill is a talented musician and visual artist who has exhibited with the Downey Arts Coalition.

Carol Gamez is president and Angie Rademaker is vice president.

Angie who is well known for her commitment to the community and has just been re-elected for her 16th year on the DUSD Classified Commission.

Regarding the choir, Angie says, “It’s family. I like to stay active. Music is so healthy it stimulates your mind and touches your heart. It’s upbeat.”

Downey residents performing include: Melody Ashley, Bonnie Beall, Jorge Diaz, Helene Hansen, Rick Henry, Lupe Mertes, Angie Rademaker, Yolanda Ramirez, and Betsy Spourle.

The Bellflower Civic Chorus presents three two-day concerts a year in May, September, and December. They sing American Standards, Broadway Show Tunes, and Classical Rock/Pop songs from the 1960’s to present day. Anyone who enjoys singing and can make the weekly practices is invited to join.

Tickets for The Holidaze can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $10. Performances are Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m. Doors open approximately 30-60 minutes before showtime.

All concerts are performed at the William & Jane Bristol Civic Auditorium, 16600 Civic Center Dr., in Bellflower.