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Soul-Stirring Notes

STAFF photo by Robert Burke / Tampa Tribune.

Members of the Sun City Center Men's Chorus practice songs at St Andrew Presbyterian Church.

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By ELAINE MARKOWITZ Tribune correspondent

Published: January 23, 2008

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SUN CITY CENTER - A little magic was palpable one recent afternoon at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.

The stained-glass window behind the altar stretched almost from ceiling to floor as the sun's rays lit up the colors, framing a high cross against the glass. About 30 men, members of the Men's Chorus of Sun City Center, sat with sheets of music in hand.

The sanctuary resounded with confident, powerful voices, belting out the sounds of "Deep River," a black spiritual associated with the Ohio River and redemption from slavery during the Civil War.

The deep voices resonated throughout the room.

"Bass voices are easier to find than tenors because your voice gets lower as you age," said Mary Ashton, one of two women who work with the chorus. Her job is turning the pages for pianist Thelma Roggenkemper, who is 92.

The men in the chorus, more than 40 strong when all are present, come from all walks of life with a variety of musical backgrounds. Some have sung most of their lives. Others first tested their vocal chords after retirement. They now make music that moves the soul.

Experienced singers are plentiful in the chorus, which is in its 44th year.

Don Ashton, vice president of the group, has sung in choirs since his youth. He said his vocal range slowly deepened.

"I was the only boy soprano in a mixed chorus my freshman year of high school," he said. "After the Korean conflict War I started singing bass."

Perhaps the most experienced singer is Pat Raimondo, the first tenor, who moved to Sun City Center three years ago from upstate New York.

When Raimondo broke into song, his powerful notes pulled the ear to his corner, as if magically transporting his listeners to the stage of an opera house.

Raimondo holds a doctorate in administration and two degrees in music, he said. His professional life has focused on musical experiences throughout the world.

"I ran high school choruses and church choirs for 23 consecutive years," he said.

He was principal at Singapore American School and the International High School in Santiago, Chile, and sang solos in performances in both countries. Raimondo directs the German-American chorus in Sun City Center and sings on request.

"I sing for special occasions for whoever might want to hire me," he said. Those functions include events staged by the Pelican Players theater group.

Raimondo said he donates all his earnings to music and theater scholarships sponsored by Pelican Players and to the Kiwanis Club's K-Kids and Terrific Kids programs.

Chuck Wirick, the chorus's musical director, is a man for all seasons, with experiences across the musical board.

That afternoon he sat on a stool facing the singers, gently prodding them on and using his hands to slow them down or speed them up.

"Ahhh," said Wirick as the chorus belted out strains of "Deep River." "I'm not hearing the baritones."

He glanced out at the group as its members hit the same notes again.

"Baritones and basses," he said with encouragement. "You have a hard part, you really do."

Under the auspices of Wirick and the experienced singers, newcomers are learning the ropes and having fun in the process.

Club President Chester Buck, although not a newcomer, began singing in 1992 after arriving in Sun City Center from Oakland, N.Y.

"I had no musical training except a desire to sing," said the 87-year-old. "I admit I can't read music, but I have an ear for it."

Ed Davis also came to singing later in life and sings in two musical groups: the men's chorus and the choir of his church, Friendship Baptist in Sun City Center.

"I love to sing, and I enjoy the fellowship," he said. He said the most daunting task as a singer is "hitting those high notes."

The repertory varied that morning, moving from the poignant spiritual to the soft "Irish Blessing" to the livelier "Kansas City" and "I Walk the Line." The men seemed up for whatever their director put before them.

For information on performances or the chorus, call Buck at (813) 634-5100 or Ashton at (813) 642-0815.

GET TO KNOW

WHAT: Men's Chorus of Sun City Center

NUMBER OF MEMBERS: About 40

PRESIDENT: Chester Buck

MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Chuck Wirick

PRACTICE LOCATION: 2 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb Blvd. W., Sun City Center

INFORMATION: (813) 634-5100

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

•7:30 tonight at Sun City Center United Methodist Church, 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W. No cost to attend.

•3 p.m. Feb. 3 at Community Hall, 1910 Pebble Beach Blvd. S. No cost to attend.

•7:30 p.m. March 14 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb Blvd. W. Cost is $5.

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