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After 10 years accompanying the Kincardine Community Singers, Pat Fox is ready to give her fingers a rest.

She is not retiring completely, and has agreed to fill in when needed.

In honour of her hard work and dedication, the choir held a special celebration Wednesday night at Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, singing some inspired ditties just for Fox, including "Ode to Patricia," which was sung to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine."

Carolynn Mills read "The Accompanist" by Dick Allen which describes beautifully the unassuming but important role that Fox played as accompanist to the choir :

I've always worried about you - the man or woman
at the piano bench,
night after night receiving only such applause
as the singer allows: a warm hand please,
for my accompanist. At concerts,
as I watch your fingers on the keys,
and how swiftly, how excellently
you turn sheet music pages,
track the singer's notes, cover the singer's flaws,
I worry about whole lifetimes,
most lifetimes
lived in the shadows of reflected fame;
but then the singer's voice dies
and there are just your last piano notes,
not resentful at all,
carrying us to the end, into those heartfelt cheers
that spring up in little patches from a thrilled audience
like sudden wildflowers bobbing in a rain
of steady clapping. And I'm on my feet, also,
clapping and cheering for the singer, yes,
but, I think, partially likewise for you
half-turned toward us, balanced on your black bench,
modest, utterly well-rehearsed,
still playing the part you've made yours.

Director Patt Lowry offered appreciation to Fox for offering her amazing talent for so many years to the choir for its performances at Christmas time and in the spring.

A musical cake for a musical lady

Fox received a warm, fuzzy Valentine's Day bear that she can hug when she's not with the crowd of choir members every Wednesday night during practice. She also received a lifetime membership to the Community Singers.

The choir's new accompanist is John Low of Kincardine.

The Community Singers meet every Wednesday night at Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine. They practise a variety of music, including pop, jazz, Blues, Broadway and classical.

Registration has now reached 77 people, with many new members. The cut-off is 80 or the entire choir will not fit on the risers for the concert performances.

The spring show, slated for June 4-5, is titled, "Songs That Make You Smile," and will include songs by Sondheim, songs from Monty Python, Irving Berlin, Stan Rogers, and others, as well as some novelty songs.

Guest performers are the Howlin' Dog Jazz Band, and the a cappella group, "Makin' Waves."

New accompanist John Low (L) and director Patt Lowry (R) join Pat Fox at the keyboard

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Thursday, February 17, 2011