President John Racine began the meeting, as Rotarians came together to say adieu to 2017 with a gathering full of music and appreciation for our talented town.

Gary Hogue led the invocation.

Amanda Igra, Al Bonney and the Kingsley Trio led the group in an arrangement of the traditional “Dreidel Song” and “Jingle Bells” which was a truly fun (and very optimistic) attempt to mash-up both songs! Creative and celebratory, congratulations to the club for contributing to this collaborative chorus.

Autumn Soltysiak introduced the Students of the Week.  Keeping with the theme of representatives from Traverse City West Senior High, the club welcomed and acknowledged the successes of Sophie Kubesh and Andrew Campbell.

Bob Stow announced that, as part of the master plan for sustainability, Rotary Camps and Services recently closed on the property that is currently home to Family Video in Greilickville. 
For the time being, it’ll act as rental property, and allows for a better execution of the overall vision for that area.

President John also shared a reminder that there’s no noon club meeting on December 26^th.  We’ll be back at the Great Wolf Lodge on January 2^nd to kick-off another fantastic year of Service Above Self!

Happy Holidays, one and all! 

Scott Hardy introduced Erich Wangeman, Director of The TC West Choral-Aires.

This is a troupe comprised of the 22 top student vocalists at Traverse City West Senior High, with Mr. Wangeman conducting this talented ensemble. 

Their dedication and daily 7 am rehearsals have produced success near and far. They’ve performed at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival, won European Choral competitions, and perform a variety concert locally each holiday season.  

The Choral-Aires filled the room with amazingly precise vocal stylings, amazing the audience with their seasonal selections, starting with a carol of French origin: “Sing We Now of Christmas”.

They then performed “Over by the Bay”, a jazz-infused number set in surroundings familiar to those in Traverse City.

Then, we enjoyed a more contemporary piece originally performed the popular Pentatonix vocal group, with the Choral-Aires singing and adding in a very complex choreographed rhythm of clapping hands and snapping fingers.

These enjoyable and unique arrangements, along with the traditional “Carol of the Bells” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” established the perfect tone for the weekend’s holiday celebrations.