Hub Staff

Bongos, Brass and beautiful music was what concert goers were treated to at Hear those Sleigh Bells Jingling, a Christmas concert December 6 at Port Elgin United Church, a joint effort by the Chantry Singers and the Port Elgin Community Band.

The Port Elgin Community Band played some Christmas tunes that earned them a standing ovation. O Holy Night, a funky version of Good King Wenceslas and Canadian Brass Christmas were just some of the songs that were conducted by Ron Code, Ian Burbidge and Cam Porter. The medley of a holiday tune, and Smooth by Carlos Santana brought the crowd to their feet, and was the favourite piece to play, said band member Kelsey Joynt, who has played with the band, now in its 20th year, for the past ten years.

Chantry Singers Director, Anne Little said before their performance that the singers have been practicing songs for this concert since “the Tuesday after Labour Day.” The choir sang, Saw You Never in the Twilight, and an arrangement of Silent Night, to name a few, with help from the Port Elgin Community Band conductors on percussion and piano.

The event was sold out, with programs running out fast and extra chairs being brought in to providing seating for the crowd who came out to hear some beautiful music and get into the holiday spirit.