Somehow I made it through my second rehearsal with the Santa Clarita Master Chorale on Monday. I thought I knew some of the music we are singing and maybe a long, long time ago in a place on the East Coast, I did know and sing this music. I was also a lot younger and didn’t have to work as hard at singing the right notes.

I know it is hard work for anyone singing in a group of 67 folks. We might have more, but that was at the last count.

For those of you who haven’t heard – or heard about – the Santa Clarita Master Chorale, I’ll just say you’re in for some great musical experiences when you hear how and what we sing. Right now we’re getting ready for our Christmas Season concert. There are two other concerts after December. Keep on the lookout for us in March and then in June. We’ll have a lot of great choral music for your listening pleasure.

Those three concerts aren’t the chorale’s only events. There are educational outreach programs for elementary and high school students, and benefit performances at the SCV Senior Center and other nonprofit organizations. One example was the small group of us who performed at the YMCA gala a week ago today honoring our retiring congressman, Buck McKeon.

You’ve also heard the chorale at the yearly Memorial Day observances at Eternal Valley. That particular event had been a concert for the Hart High Band every year when I attended that school. I also remember so well the old World War I veteran who each year would sing the popular ballad from that war, “My Buddy.” I always thought he was actually singing to those who died in the conflict. I know they heard him.

Singing with the chorale isn’t just rehearsals and concerts. There are professionals with the group who get paid to make sure we sing correctly. Folks like our artistic director, Allen Robert Petker, and the instrumental musicians we need to accompany our voices. For instance, this year we’ll have an orchestra. Those folks don’t come cheap.

Allen Robert Petker, Artistic Director.

Those of you who have kids in band or choir know well the need to raise money for the groups. It seems like and endless cycle of “sing for our supper.” Since many of us came from a band and choir past, we are just a little used to having to have various activities to bring in operating funds.

Tickets sales for our concerts make us a little money. We still have to pay for a lot at those events. We have a large group of folks and businesses that donate money to us. As a nonprofit organization meeting the requirements under Section 501c3 of the IRS Code, any donation you might want to send is tax-deductible. If you can, the zeros on the check should follow a number greater than 5. I like 7,000,000 – but 7,000 would be good, too. So would just 7 and no zeros.

If you own a business here in the SCV, you might want to consider giving a little to the chorale. There are various levels of sponsorship, and your accountants would love for you to have a deduction that won’t get him or her in trouble if it is questioned by the IRS. It won’t be questioned.

Each year the chorale has a major fundraising event called “Cabaret and Cabernet.” It is being held at a private home in Valencia. This is quite an affair, and this year’s theme is “When You Wish Upon a Star – Celebrating the Wonderful World of Disney.” There will be performances by singers from the chorale, and the folks serving you might look like a Disney character you recognize. It is going to be a lot of fun for the 150 folks who attend.

All of that happens Saturday, Oct. 18.

Tickets are $100 per person. The best way to get your tickets is to visit www.scmaterchorale.org. You’ll see the place to buy tickets for the fundraiser and for all of the concerts, too.

Along with this benefit event, there is also a chance for you to buy one or more raffle tickets to win some valuable prizes. Each raffle ticket is $100, and with that you could win a 7-day cruise for two with your choice of the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera cruises on my personal favorite cruise line, Holland America. You don’t have to attend the event to win the prize.

So besides the website, you can also call 661-254-8886 and buy your tickets that way.

Another little thing to note is the silent auction on that Saturday. Maybe your company or business or just you alone would like to contribute something for the auction. Again, I’m sure you can find out how to get your donation to the chorale.

I’ll even make all y’all a deal. You’ll love the feeling you’ll get by giving just a little to the chorale this year and every year after. You can’t get a better deal than that.

And it is true: We do sing better with at least five very large numbers to the left of the decimal point and to the right of the dollar sign. To prove that, you’ll just have to donate a lot – and often – just like voting in Chicago or New York.

If you’ve never met me or heard the Santa Clarita Master Chorale, come on out and I’ll introduce you. Deal? Of course.

Darryl Manzer grew up in the Pico Canyon oil town of Mentryville in the 1960s and attended Hart High School. After a career in the U.S. Navy he returned to live in the Santa Clarita Valley. He can be reached at dmanzer@scvhistory.com. His older commentaries are archived at DManzer.com; his newer commentaries can be accessed [here]. Watch his walking tour of Mentryville [here].