In a rehearsal full of laughter, dancing and rhythm, the Creative Impressions choir practiced one final time in preparation for their first big concert since 2019.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, Creative Impressions show, Behold the Star, will include a variety of holiday songs infused with youthful spirit and musical flair.
With many new participants, members from all over Richmond County have met every Tuesday evening since mid-August to perfect their show for audiences.
The winter production has been an annual tradition since 2002, and will highlight a handful of songs from the original production, and new arrangements created and selected by the director.
“I call it a Christmas kaleidoscope, because you’re going to see some of everything,” said the choir’s Artistic Director Trey McLaughlin. “You’ll see some choral things, you’ll see gospel, you’ll see African and jazz – some of everything is in the show. I think that people will enjoy the refreshing way we present a lot of things.”
As a former member himself, McLaughlin said he tries to teach his members how hard work and dedication pay off no matter what field or career one chooses to pursue. He hopes his students will learn that giving one’s all is never a waste of time, and will lead to great results in the end.
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“It’s important to me because it embodies a lot of who I am. It was a catalyst in a lot of ways,” said McLaughlin. “But now it means a lot to me because I get the opportunity to pour into young people the same way [the previous director] did for me – it’s my ability to paying it forward.”
McLaughlin said he hopes audiences are inspired by the performance and each can take away something different. Keeping with tradition, several alumni will be returning performers for the concert and will lead the new members through their first show – including a few mother and daughter duos.
Mother and 33-year-old alumna Tara Claitt said she has always loved the choir because it acts as a creative outlet for students to express themselves in a less restrictive manner compared to school.
“It is a community. It is a village and it doesn’t just impact the lives of its current students,” said Claitt. “It is really a family where people come back every year and bring our legacies with us.”
Her 9-year-old daughter Kadence Wesby has been in the choir for two years now, and Claitt believes it has strengthened their bond.
“She gets so excited to learn songs that I already know,” said Claitt. “It’s just amazing to see the same group that made such an impact on me, make an impact on her.”
The show will feature several songs such as Carol of the Bells, Mary Did You Know, African Christmas Carol and Wesby’s personal favorite Rudolph’s Jingle.
Fellow alumna Brittany Hatcher said she joined the choir around eighth grade and loved that it encouraged her to grow in different ways.
“It just taught me so many things, in such a short amount of time,” she said. “Things that were transferable in other parts of my life … and we have so much, but you have to know your part.”
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Hatcher reiterated how the choir truly feels more like a family which keeps bringing many alumni back to happily join in on the fun once again.
As observing parents bobbed their heads and tapped their feet along to the music during practice, McLaughlin said he was thrilled to have such a positive atmosphere in the group because it made the music even more joyful.
“It makes the music sound better because you’re able to create an atmosphere, rather than just make a sound,” he said. “They’re like my kids, even the alumni who have graduated. I still think of them as my kids – except the ones who are my peers.”
With singers ranging from ages 8 to their mid-40s, McLaughlin said the concert will be something anyone of any age can enjoy and get something out of.
“I hope that they walk away being in awe. It’s not just a concert – it really is an experience where they hear different genres,” said Claitt. “It’s not music, but they can experience a little bit of drama, a little bit of dance. It’s not just us standing around and them listening to pretty songs, but really engaging with the audience through our music and our passion for it.”
The concert will be on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Augusta University’s Maxwell Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for seniors, $20 for general admission and $15 for groups of 10 or more.
To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.creative-impressions.org/bts2022 or https://augusta.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1621
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
