Often, when people retire, their lives become busier doing the things they’ve dreamed about for years and finally have the time to do. And for many people in the White Bear Lake area, that dream comes in the form of singing and dancing with The Silver Harmony Singers.
The Silver Harmony Singers began when Keith Woodbury retired from his position as band director for the White Bear Lake school district and was looking for a way to continue his passion for music. Inspiration struck, and he founded the group back in 1973. He gathered 10 White Bear Lake residents who had an interest in singing, dancing and giving back.
Current music director Jane Jones took on the role when Woodbury died in 2003. “I don’t know music, but I know what I like and I know what I want to hear,” says Jones. “I love the people. I absolutely love this group.” Today the group has approximately 60 members, and except for one, all are over the age of 60.
Outfitted in matching red ties and suspenders for the men and red skirts for the women, the group travels to senior living homes, service organizations and churches in the White Bear Lake area. The Silver Harmony Singers perform during the fall and spring months, but take a hiatus during the winter and summer. The set list for both seasons remains the same and takes on a theme; this year’s theme centers on the ’50s. Selections include songs made famous by Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, and their take on “Chantilly Lace” is a crowd favorite.
In addition to giving back to the community through their performances, The Silver Harmony Singers also hold a yearly food drive concert, with donations going to the White Bear Lake Food Shelf. In collaboration with Boy Scouts Troop 439, they raised more than $4,300 and gathered more than 430 pounds of food in October.
Although members may have joined for different reasons, they continue for the joy that comes from performing to appreciative audiences. “I think we do something for White Bear,” says Jones. “I don’t think there’s another group like us.”
Larry Knapp
Soloist and dancer
Knapp keeps a special place in his heart for his fellow performers, says Jones. The retired mechanic attended The Silver Harmony Singers performance at the White Bear Lake American Legion before joining 5 years ago; he sang in his church choir at the time. “I thought, ‘That is a fun group,’” says Knapp. “If you make a mistake, no one gets you on it. I thought, ‘Hey, I can handle this.’ ”
Knapp is one of The Silver Harmony Singer’s many stars. Not only does he tackle difficult solos, but he is also light on his feet. He loves bringing something special to the groups they perform for. “The people enjoy it,” he says. “It breaks up their day.”
Margaret Abler
Soprano soloist
Soprano soloist Margaret Abler joined the Silver Harmony Singers 21 years ago. She wandered over to a group rehearsal after seeing an advertisement in the White Bear Press. It was a good thing, too, as she was the only singer to respond.
Audiences know Abler, a retired librarian and mother of six, for her powerful voice and her ability to sing in both English and French. She graduated with a degree in library science and French from the College of St. Catherine in 1954, and continues to put her major to good use. Each season, Jones calls on Abler to sing a French tune. “I suppose I torture the language because I sing French songs with an English accent,” she laughs. “But I do love French.”
Abler says her Silver Harmony Singers involvement is her most rewarding experience each year. “I enjoy being with all these wonderful people,” Abler says fondly. “There’s something uplifting about singing that takes away all of your aches and pains.”
Peg Feirtag
Singer and event scheduler
Not only is Peg Feirtag a talented soloist, she also coordinates and handles the group’s bookings; you could say she is the “glue” of the operation. Jones calls Feirtag a committed and passionate member.
Feirtag’s background differs a bit from her fellow singers. After retiring from Ameriprise in Minneapolis, she joined the Minneapolis a cappella group Sweet Adelines. She decided the commute was too long from her White Bear Lake home and joined The Silver Harmony Singers in 2004. Feirtag most enjoys receiving feedback from those who attend performances, and reaching out to the audience at the end of each concert. “It makes everything we do worthwhile,” she says.
Leilani Lewis
Pianist
On any given afternoon, Leilani Lewis sits down to her at home piano and plays. She carried this talent and interest over to The Silver Harmony Singers in 2001.
After she retired from her position at a White Bear Lake CPA firm, Lewis searched for a way to fill her days. “When you retire, you look for things to do,” she says. Her neighbor mentioned that her aunt was a member of the organization. After attending a performance, Lewis instantly became interested. She began as a singer and took on the role of pianist shortly after joining.
Lewis and Jones collaborate each year to put together the song list. “We can’t do it without her,” Jones says. Jones often chooses challenging pieces, many times forcing the members to question if they are doable, yet they always prevail.
“That’s why I stay. Because Jane is so crazy,” Lewis says, laughing.
The Silver Harmony Singers are looking for new members to join for their fall season. Contact Jane Jones at 651.429.5634 if interested.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
WHAT: Silver Harmony Singers Spring Performance
WHEN: May 1, 1 p.m.
WHERE: First Lutheran Church, 4000 Linden St., White Bear Lake
COST: Free
