By Jolene Farley
For nearly 20 years, the Steen Reformed Church choir has presented a Cantata during the Christmas season.
This year’s "Hark! The Angels Sing," by Dennis and Nan Allen, was performed Sunday, Dec. 8, but practices began Oct. 1 under the direction of Steen’s Sharon Top. Top has directed since 1996.
Twenty-one singers performed in the 40-minute production, and Hills-Beaver Creek High School students played the drama parts.
The search for a cantata to perform begins early in the year, according to pianist Lorraine Sandbulte.
"Sharon likes to do something new every time," Sandbulte said.
Five or six samples are checked out from Crossroads Book and Music, Sioux Falls, and the directors listen to them and narrow down the selections.
"It just kind of has to appeal to us," Sandbulte said. "Whether it’s the difficulty of the music or the range."
She said the event is well-attended, unless the weather is uncooperative.
Last-minute touches on the production continue until the actual performance.
The final pages of the Cantata are fine-tuned in the final days of practice, and this year, a platform for the angels above the choir was also added.
"As long as they’re not afraid of heights, they’ll be alright," Sandbulte said.
When asked what she enjoys about accompanying the choir for the cantata Sandbulte said, "touching the people’s hearts."