Delighting Audiences for the Love of Song and Worthy Causes
By SUE SiENS
The Bert Coble Singers Annual Christmas Dinner Show has become a favorite holiday event to attend.
This year, the choir will present their 24th annual dinner show on December 15th and 16th, at College Hills Church of Christ, 1401 Leeville Pike in Lebanon. Comprised of 35 or more outstanding voices, the singers travel from throughout Middle Tennessee to be a part of this very special Christmas show. The performances will benefit the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the Bert Coble Music Scholarship at Cumberland University. Well worth the admission of $30 per person, attendees will enjoy wonderful entertainment and a delicious meal catered by Crystal Elegance Catering.
Accompanying the group on piano will be Teresa Jeffers. Jennifer Perry serves as the assistant conductor, and Gaye Baird as the secretary/ treasurer. The singers will also beautifully decorate the hall and will serve the guests their meal.
“We are doing it for fun and the love of singing but also for a real purpose,” said Dr. Coble. All profits from monies raised will go to these charities,” he emphasized. Dr.Coble himself is a cancer survivor and had quintuple heart by-pass surgery. Through the concerts, nearly $150,000 has been donated to these organizations.
The founder of the Bert Coble Singers, Dr. Bert Coble, is renowned as a choir director and music instructor, having served much of his adult life in music ministry and music instruction.
Dr. Coble grew up in a musical family. His mother played piano, and his father led choir. Bert took piano lessons, then joined his high school band, playing brass instruments. His first experience singing in a choir came at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He chuckled, noting, “The choir director’s daughter was pretty, so that’s why I joined it.” Dr. Coble went on to receive multiple degrees in church music, religious education, music education, choral direction and music administration. A decorated veteran, Dr. Coble also served in WWII and the Korean War. Always by his side and assisting is his wife, Sue. Dr. Coble says, “Sue is my right hand, my left hand, my everything.” An accomplished music instructor in her own right, Sue Coble teaches at Cedars Preparatory Academy. She and their daughter, Pam Coble Moudy, also perform with the choir.
Following his retirement as a Professor and Chairman of the Music Department at Cumberland University, Dr. Coble was encouraged to continue the tradition of choir directing. This led to the formation of the Bert Coble Singers in 1988. He asked 16 area singers, many former students, to join, and the group has grown to about 35-40 today. The Bert Coble Singers have also traveled throughout Europe, singing in 17 countries. Dr. Coble and wife Sue said they have had some “marvelous, beautiful experiences.” They will next travel to Germany, Switzerland and Austria in June 2012. The group will include participating singers from all over the country.
This year’s Annual Christmas Dinner Show will have limited seating and advance reservations are required. It is a perfect event for businesses to treat employees, church groups and families.
For reservations, call (615) 444- 2842 or mail checks for $30 per person to The Bert Coble Singers, 1505 Lyle Street, Lebanon, Tennessee, 37087.