Purple Haze
Lifting spirits with music
By Elizabeth Thomas

December 12, 2010

On Dec. 2, as people young and old sipped their hot coffee in the Barnes and Noble café, 11 high school students wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers arrived to spread Christmas cheer through song on a cold night.

Directed by high school chorus teacher, Laura Bissell, the Bear Singers are a small group of high school students who sing acappella, without musical instruments. They make various appearances, such as the high school chorus concerts, and more recently, the tree lighting at the square. The 2010-2011 Bear Singers are Taylor (TJ) Bream, Sarah Glace, Jack Krimmel, Christie McCown, Kate McCown, Zach Poole, Katie Richwine, Claire Shook, Nick Sooy, Natalie Spoonhour and Matt Zook.

Many listeners at bookstore sat back with smiles on their faces seemingly to forget the cold and their troubles; spirits appeared to lift as the music swelled. The well-balanced harmony sounded like 11 voices become one. Familiar carols were Joy to the World, Deck the Halls. A different version of Up on the House Top seemed to be a favorite among the crowd.

I quietly sang along whenever I knew a song, and as I looked at the others, I discovered they were singing too.
It seems that singing is a way for all people of all ages to connect with each other, especially around Christmas time.

I would like to thank the Bear Singers for bringing such joy to everyone on that cold, windy night.