![\"California](\"https:\/\/lamesacourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/The-La-Mesa-based-California-Note-Catchers-will-have-a-Holiday-Harmonies-concert-on-December-7web.jpg\")
<\/a>Annette Draper, president of California Note Catchers, said that this year, 19 members will be singing along with three community singers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community singers have been working on two holiday songs since the middle of September,\u201d Draper said.<\/p>\n
The group will sing a selection of secular and more traditional holiday music, including songs celebrating Christmas in several languages, Hanukkah, and the theme of peace. In addition, there will be two quartets singing several songs. The holiday program will also include several songs in different languages.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we have to master new word sounds. In particular, we sing \u2018Mele Kalikimaka\u2019 in Hawaiian and \u2018Feliz Navidad\u2019 in Spanish. We also have several soloists performing in different languages during \u2018Silent Night,\u2019\u201d Ash said. \u201cWe attempt to bring a variety of music for the holidays, not just Christmas carols,\u201d Draper said.<\/p>\n
In addition, this year\u2019s holiday show will include some audience participation as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the years, our family and friends have requested a singalong so this year we are excited to have Mark Anthony and Terry John lead a singalong. They are both actors and directors,\u201d said Karen Hasman, a member of CNC since it began 20 years ago.<\/p>\n
Unlike most choral groups, California Note Catchers\u2019 style is solely barbershop, a musical form that began in the 1930s with the Barbershop Revival Era. The elements of barbershop style and the names of the voice parts are the same for men and women.<\/p>\n
Sweet Adelines and Harmony, Inc., the latter of which California Note Catchers are a part of, are two of the leading women\u2019s barbershop organizations.<\/p>\n
Barbershop in and of itself is a difficult genre because of the close harmonies, and the fact that it is sung a cappella.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we are able to educate as well as entertain our audiences. They are usually surprised to discover that many \u2018traditional\u2019 songs can be arranged into a Barbershop style,\u201d Ash said.<\/p>\n
To keep the audience pepped up, the Paradise Village staff will offer refreshments during intermission. After the show, the chorus will be able to greet friends and family.<\/p>\n
Funds raised from the program assist California Note Catcher\u2019s general fund to help with their monthly rent for practices, assisting with annual dues to Harmony, Inc. and help offset the cost of the costumes. A big part of their budget each year is legally purchasing the music that they sing.<\/p>\n
California Note Catchers also supports area charities through monetary contributions and occasional complimentary quartet and chorus performances such as Relay for Life and Grossmont Rehab.<\/p>\n
Women of all ages are welcome to come to the rehearsals and do not need to know how to read music or sing barbershop style. \u201cOnce you start singing in four-part harmony, you\u2019ll love it,\u201d Hasman said.<\/p>\n
Director Randy Parrish-Bell said music has a way of bringing people together.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt affects the entire being \u2013 the body, soul and brain. It\u2019s a communication unlike any other form that will get to the emotional state of a person,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The group practices every Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Social Hall of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Ave in La Mesa.<\/p>\n
Tickets to \u201cHoliday Harmonies: Jingle All the Way\u201d are $12 and may be purchased in advance or at the box office before the show. Call 619-889-0299 for tickets.<\/p>\n