Treble Tones Women’s Choir Celebrates 60 Years of Song
When walking the halls of a northwest suburban senior center, there’s a chance you might stumble upon a room filled with song. That’s thanks to the Treble Tones, a women’s choir based out of New Hope.
This week they brought their performances to Tradition Senior Living in Brooklyn Park.
“When they bring in… the singers and the music, it changes everybody,” said Sandy Formo, a Tradition resident. “It makes them happy, and I think that’s fantastic.”
The choir is directed by Tyler Vidal. He said the music selections are eclectic — from a 1960s melody to a track from Home Alone 2.
“It’s always fun to have as many things as you can have to connect to as many people as possible,” Vidal said.
The Treble Tones perform in Brooklyn Park.
Vidal said he auditioned to lead the choral group 12 years ago. That’s just a fraction of the group’s age, standing tall at 60 years.
He said he credits the group’s longevity to its members. Even through the pandemic, he said the said they showed up. Often in parking lots, six feet apart, with masks on. That consistency was important for people like Sherry Ondich, who’s been part of the choir for 43 years.
“I think I’m the one who’s been here the longest,” Ondich said.
Joyful Noise
Throughout the years, as membership and performances changed, the music stayed the same. Ondich said it’s not always easy to get to practice, especially in the colder months, but getting there always pays off.
“When you get to practice, and you’re with all your friends, it makes coming out in the cold worth it,” Ondich said. “That raises your spirits and helps you through the winter.”
And members both new and old keep coming back.
Treble Tones President Julie Shannon has been involved for 12 years. Cora Leibig is just a one-year member so far.
“People join and they stay. They have a place there,” Shannon said.
“For me, what’s going to keep me coming back is the continued joy of making music together,” Leibig said.
That joy clearly spreads to those they sing to. It adds humor, sparkle and song to otherwise dreary winter days. Formo knows.
“I just praise them, because I think they need it badly. It’s really much needed,” Formo said. “Wait until you get to that age. You’re going to find out how much you need it.”
You can learn about the Treble Tones, including how to join and where to see the group perform on its website.
The group’s next concert is a holiday performance on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Nativity Lutheran Church in New Hope. The performance is free, but it will collect donations for the church.
