The Bonnyville Singers have been singing in the community for over 40 years, and one member has been there from the beginning. Started in 1973, the Bonnyville Singers have preformed at special events around the community for the last 43 years.
The Bonnyville Singers have been singing in the community for over 40 years, and one member has been there from the beginning.
Started in 1973, the Bonnyville Singers have preformed at special events around the community for the last 43 years.
"In terms of contribution to the community, we've entertained and provided the community with song and dance. Basically, we're entertaining and enhancing the local talent and showing our local talent. We've got a lot of talented people here," said Director of the Bonnyville Singers Gene Sobolewski.
Local resident Russell McAllister has been a member of the choir for 42 of those 43 years.
"I've always liked to sing, for my own pleasure anyways," said McAllister. "At times the choir has been very solvent and gives to the community. We still try to give to the community in monetary ways."
The 87-year-old singer moved to Bonnyville in the fall of 1973 for a job. He came across the choir after attending a dinner and music theatre night with his wife Elizabeth that year.
A year later (1974) he joined up.
"It helps to keep your mind active," said McAllister, explaining why he has stuck with the choir for so long. "Some people lose reasoning in other areas (of their brains) but (they) still know their music, and if you do you have a lease on life that you wouldn't have had otherwise."
"It's a treat," Sobolewski said, thinking of times he has been on stage with McAllister. "I wish that when I reach that age I have as much desire and enthusiasm to sing as he does."
As the oldest active member of the Bonnyville Singers, McAllister has held almost every administrative position in the choir. The only position he hasn't held is president.
He remembered singing for local Remembrance Day ceremonies, the annual Bonnyville Christmas Carol Festival, the Bonnyville Healthcare Centre and Bonnyville Centralized High School. He also noted travelling to Elk Point, Glendon, and St. Paul to perform.
McAllister's most memorable moment was performing at the Lyle Victor Albert Centre.
"I don't know what the years were, but we got a choir of about 50 and that's all that the Lyle Victore Albert Centre stage can carry. So maybe three years ago, we had four shows (in a row for Christmas). They were pretty well sold out, close to 800 people in four nights," said McAllistair.
The choir has changed over the year, but it still holds an active place in the community. McAllister has seen them all.
At one time they used a pianist, now the choir uses a computer.
"It has advantages and disadvantages," joked McAllister. "Sometimes the computer doesn't read all the intricacies of music perfectly."
"I can honestly remember that Russell has been there every chance he gets. Whenever there is stuff to get done he's there. He'll do anything for the choir," said fellow singer Carla Sobolewski.
The next Bonnyville Singers performance is at the Lyle Victor Albert Centre during the last weekend of May. Doors open at 7 p.m. May 26 - 28.
