Repertoire, Fall 2015

Sonnenberg Station's Fall 2015 program is shaping up to be an inspiring blend of pieces about place, peace, and patience. To support local music, consider sponsoring one of this season's pieces by clicking on a link below.

Breathe out, breathe in (Toby Hazlett; arr. Tim Shue) (Click to sponsor this song)
Sanctus (Charles Gounod)--Soloist: Bill Seymour  (Click to sponsor this song)          
House of peace (Jim Croegaert) (Click to sponsor this song)  
Salmo 150 (Ernani Aguiar) (Click to sponsor this song)
O burning mountain (Neil Ginsberg) (Click to sponsor this song)
That which remains (Andrea Ramsey) (Click to sponsor this song)
Dirait-on (Morten Lauridsen) (Click to sponsor this song)
Walk humbly, son (Michael Clem) (Click to sponsor this song)
We rise again (Dubinsky;  arr. S. Smith) (Click to sponsor this song)
Soon one mornin’ (Tim Shue) (Click to sponsor this song)
Bonsa Aba (arr. Andrew Fischer) (Click to sponsor this song)
Witness (Moses Hogan) (Click to sponsor this song)
Hol’ you han’ (arr. Paul Rardin) (Click to sponsor this song)
Plenty good room (Kirby Shaw) (Click to sponsor this song)
Here is my home (Si Kahn) (Click to sponsor this song)

2015 Fall Concert Series

Sonnenberg Station is busily preparing for this season's concert performances. While venues are still being finalized, the dates are as follows: 

Sunday, November 8
Saturday, November 21
Sunday, November 22
Monday, November 23

Mark your calendars and makes plans to attend! 

Old Sonnenberg Mennonite Church

This past Saturday, March 28, the historic Sonnenberg Mennonite Church in Kidron Community Historical Society's Sonnenberg Village was filled with more than 200 people as the old building welcomed its first chorus since moving to its new site. Sonnenberg Station Men's Ensemble raised their voices, opening the show with a most appropriate piece--"There's a Meeting Here Tonight:"

"There's a meetin' here tonight, Great God!
I'm glad you came along!
Hope all the brothers and the sisters here 
will help me sing this song!" 

And they did! The evening closed with the group's director, Tim Shue, leading the audience in a sing-along of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." 

In between, there were strong solos, bold ballads, and a tad bit of the Beatles thrown in for good measure. There was also a great interview session in which Ellis Miller shared what it has been like to sing with Sonnenberg Station for the past ten years. Ellis, a founding member and part of the impetus for the group's inception, is completing his final season with the group, and will be greatly missed. Wayne Liechty, president of the Kidron Community Historical Society, shared with us about the spark for Sonnenberg Village and how they hope to grow. 

The result of the evening? Well, aside from a great musical performance presented to a receptive and enthusiastic crowd, more than $1,000 was collected during the free-will offering and presented to the Kidron Community Historical Society. The funds were gratefully received and will be used toward outside lights in the village for activities such as hosting Sonnenberg Station, an $8,000 project. KCHS plans to raise $4,000 and meet the remaining amount by applying for a Greater Wayne County grant. If you would like to contribute to this fund or learn more about the organization, contact KCHS at P.O. Box 234 Kidron, OH 44636-0234 or by phone at 330-857-9111.

Thanks so much for all of your support of both Sonnenberg Station Men's Choral Ensemble, and your Kidron Community Historical Society. Let's meet again sometime! 

Songs and Structures: Notes from the Director

It is said that a well-made guitar crafted from quality wood improves in sound quality as it ages. After several decades, the wood has acclimated to its surroundings, and the fibers vibrate to their full potential. 

I like to think of a sanctuary as a huge instrument. Like strings, we singers do the job of producing the initial sound. We then let the building put its own acoustical stamp on it. Most modern facilities are constructed to optimize and gain total control of sound through the use of technology.  

But for pure, unaided, acoustical pleasure, it’s hard to beat the old churches.

This season, we explore some of the oldest houses of worship in Wayne County. Of particular significance is our performance on Saturday, March 28 at 7pm in the old Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, now located at Sonnenberg Village. This particular building carries with it quite a few strong musical memories for many Swiss Mennonites in this area. It has been a goal of mine to make this old structure ring once more with singing, especially with this choir that shares the same first name.

It might be dangerous to put new wine in old wineskins, but I think it’s a great idea to put new music in old buildings.  Hopefully, the only thing that will be bursting will be enthusiasm.

We look forward to singing for you this season. 

Tim Shue

Spring 2015!

Our Spring 2015 season dates have been set and the venues will be posted soon! Stay tuned for a full listing! 

Fall 2014 Season

Sonnenberg Station is excited to present you with a new season of music that explores the theme "Body and Soul: Songs about Spiritual Longing and Earthly Life." With performances spanning from Orrville to Bedford, Canton to Dover, and Kent to Kidron, we hope that you will take the opportunity to enjoy an evening of live choral music that's sure to leave you with lasting thoughts and a tune in your heart. We look forward to seeing you!