Presenting Beautiful Sounds of the Season
The Seadrift Community Choir first brought the Christmas message to the community on December 8, 1989. They sang the cantata “Joyful and Triumphant” for the lighting of the Christmas tree at Seadrift City Hall.
The idea of a community choir was envisioned by Barbara Stanfill and Nancy Childress during lunch one day at Fannin Middle School. Coincidentally, the Rev. Dr. Joe Dufner, pastor of First Baptist Church Seadrift had the same idea and brought a copy of the cantata to Nancy to preview.
For several years the choir consisted of men and women. In 1996 it became a women’s choir. The choir once again consists of men and women. The choir sings annually at Seadrift and Port O’Connor area churches, Seadrift School and Trinity Shores retirement facility.
Recently the choir has participated in funeral and memorial services. In 1989 the choir was funded by First Baptist Church and since has been funded by the choir members. Rehearsals begin in November and the choir will begin singing December 5th through December 12th.
The choir is directed by Nancy Childress and Kathy Riske as accompanist for the 39 member group which includes 22 of Nancy Childress’ former students. Many members have sung with the choir for over 20 years.
Nancy Childress was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and graduated from Cleveland, Texas High School. Nancy then attended North Texas University on a trumpet scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She began teaching elementary music, junior high band and choir in 1960 at Fannin Middle School in Seadrift. She also taught children’s choir at Salem Lutheran Church in Port Lavaca from 1960 – 1964. Members of the Salem Lutheran Choir were Kathy Riske and William Hahn who now participate in the Seadrift Community Choir.
For several years Nancy played taps for local military funeral and graveside services. She has also served as member and secretary of the Calhoun County Community Ministries for many years.
The 2021 Seadrift Community Choir performances will have an emphasis on music composed or arranged by American Musicians.
Nancy Childress, Seadrift Community Choir Director, was presented a gift from the choir.
