Rex hosts local singers for caroling

Sunday afternoon the Rex Theater was filled with music by the Clark Fork Valley Singers. Several people, including children, came out to listen to their singing of holiday classics with a couple of extras thrown in. Artistic Director Rob Viens and Jeanie Gentry accompanied on the piano. Soprano singers include Denise Montgomery, Joanna Williams, Patty Johnson, Sara Czerwinski, Sara Tunnel, and Serena Pearson. The Alto group includes Bev Czerwinski, Deb Wilson, Kelsey Rehm, Lisa Mickelson, and Pam Peters. Baritone singers are Danny Moore and Ray Buchanan.

Some locals are regular attendees to the concerts throughout the year. “They have gotten to be really good,” Penny Torgrimson said. She and husband Darrel are locals and know the group members.

Twice throughout the concert Director Viens had the lights turned up so that the audience could pick songs from a list handed out, for everyone to sing. The list included holiday classics that most people know.

Two songs that were not traditional holiday songs the group sang were “Reach Out & Touch”, by Ashford & Simpson. This song is about making the world a better place. The other song titled “Riversong” by Andy Beck, is about the beauty of a river. Viens said they started singing the song in their spring concert and plan to make it a regular piece in every performance. Viens said that we are fortunate to live by the Clark Fork River whose beauty is never-ending.

“We are looking for new members to join our group,” Director Viens said. No audition or previous experience is required. The spring season starts back up in January and runs to June. The fall season starts in September and goes through December. The Clark Fork Valley Singers was founded by Rob Viens/ Inspirare Music Project in 2023. It offers singers of all ages and abilities the joy of community singing, friendships, musicianship, community engagement, a myriad of health benefits, and fun, according to Viens.