Otero College Choir to Present “Try a Little Kindness” Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Free admission.

The Otero College Choir would like to invite the Arkansas Valley Community to attend a special concert conceived with our current difficult times in mind; a concert to encourage kindness and empathy with others. Yes, empathy even with others who believe and think differently from the way we personally believe. The concert is titled, “Try a Little Kindness.” It will take place on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. on the Humanities Center stage at the Otero College campus. Admission is free.

Based upon a story of compassion and courage, and including poetic readings composed by Kelly Jo Smith, the music will reflect a journey from hurt to hope, from darkness to light, and from self-centeredness to compassion. The first song, “Can We Sing the Darkness to Light?”, sets the theme and ends quizzically, letting the question linger in the air. The next song, an African American spiritual entitled “City of Heaven”, reflects the despair one can feel in a time of deep sorrow and hopelessness. Dawn Pollmiller sings its gorgeous alto solo. Then baritone Mike Shima solos in “The Innocence”, a gentle reflection upon the inevitable loss of innocence when we move from childhood to adulthood. Wistfully the song asks, “Where, oh where, has the innocence gone?”

At this point in the program a journey towards compassion and healing begins. “Deer Song” is a mystical sounding piece sung by women’s voices that meditates upon the solace and spirituality found experiencing the beauty of nature. Then comes the familiar “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”. That song is the first to introduce the theme of compassion for others. “Meet Me Here” features Kaydence Lagergren as soprano soloist. It is the centerpiece of the program and embodies a vision of gathering with all people in peace, joy, and understanding.

The final section of the concert gathers songs celebrating kindness and friendship: “Treat People with Kindness” (Harry Styles), “Humble and Kind” (Tim McGraw), “Lean On Me with We Shall Overcome” (Bill Withers), “Count On Me” (Bruno Mars), and “Try a Little Kindness” (Glenn Campbell).

Dean Rees directs and Sally Kappel accompanies. Al Guadagnoli plays bass guitar and Steve Elwood plays drums, filling out the accompaniment. Two Swink School students, Jennifer Gardner and Gannon Hart, will accompany a song with their ukuleles. The Choir sincerely hopes that in this holiday season our community can share in this journey towards peace, joy, love, and compassion. Let’s all “Try a Little Kindness!”

The Otero College Choir: Sopranos: Callie Brinley, Caitlyn Dieckmann, Nancy Jenniges, Katie Lagergren, Kaydence Lagergren, Janell Lorenzo, Heidi Palmer, Tori Schneider, Charlene Turner, Leslie Williams Altos: Donna Cannon, Lynda England, Rebecca Grantham, Alicia Haldeman, Dawn Pollmiller, Susan Shand, Kelly Jo Smith, Lynne Tabb Tenors and Basses: Grant Elliot, Dan Haddan, Judy Hensley, James Lind, Jacob McNally, Colleen Oquist, Mike Shima.