Oregon-Based Boys Choir Here For Performance

The Salem Boys Choir will perform today at 7 p.m. at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, E10422 Main.

The Oregon-based group is comprised of about 30 boys performing both contemporary and classical vocal works.

“They do a wide variety,” says Jo Sloan, the group’s former director of activities. “They do everything from show tunes to international and Latin to classical Bach and Beethoven.”

The repertoire of their performance here will be mostly classical, religious pieces with a few lighter works thrown in.

The group, which was started in the mid-‘80s, has gained a reputation for excellence. Doris Sjolund, chairperson of the American Choral Director’s Association, called the group “the best thing that happened to many ears” at a national ACDA session.

Sloan says the group travels quite a bit, too. Her son got to travel to England while he was in the choir, and last year they performed in Eastern Europe.

The music, Sloan says, is not to be missed.

“There’s nothing like the sound of young boys’ voices,” she says. “It’s a very unique sound.”

While her son is now too old (with a voice too deep) to perform in the choir, she says the experience he gained was invaluable.

“They learn a lot more than music,” she says. “They learn discipline from memorizing the large amounts of music, and gain poise and confidence about appearing in public. It’s a great program.”

There is no charge to see tonight’s performance, but a free-will offering will be taken.

Church says farewell to pastor

The Rev. Tom Starr and his wife, Betty, will leave Valley Fourth Memorial Church this month, and his congregation is seeing him off in grand style.

The church will host a banquet at the Red Lion Motor Inn on Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. According to church spokesperson Kim Knigge, reservations must be made through the church by calling 924-4525 no later than Feb. 22. Tickets are $15.

Rich Stafford, a former music minister at Valley Fourth, will also perform that night.

Feb. 26 will be Starr’s last day in the pulpit. He has served as senior pastor at Valley Fourth for 20 years. He is leaving to start a new church in the Post Falls area.

That night, a special 6 p.m. service will be held as an informal opportunity for folks to wish the Starrs farewell.