MAILBAG: Gale Singers weekend concert was a hit

Last Sunday afternoon, the auditorium at the Portage Center for the Arts held a great crowd of music lovers, and once again, the Gale Singers did not disappoint our expectations and even exceeded them.

What a great concert. Under direction of Mary Reiche of Montello, the choir presented a program of love songs, old favorites, a few gospel renditions ending with a heart-stirring patriotic medley, narrated by Portage resident Doug Peters, former WPDR/WDDC radio celebrity.

"Cross the Wide Missouri" was absolutely beautiful, with a flute solo by Gretchen Hintz, a very talented musician. Soprano Kathy Houzner excelled in "How Can I Keep From Singing," her voice sweet and clear and perfect for the song.

Reiche kept the concert interesting with additions of solos which included bass David Chickering and young percussionist Riley Pixler, whose proud mother, Shelly, sings with the choir.

Karen McCulloch, accompanist at the center's grand piano, was given an appreciative nod of thanks from both the choir and its director, and the audience.

Congratulations to everyone involved in presenting this annual Gale Singers spring concert. It was delightful, it was deloverly.

Anne Zimmerman, Portage