Members of the Classic Chorale, a 40-women singing group in Oxford, will be saying good-bye to two beloved musicians this weekend.
Chorale Director Lewis Wilson and Accompanist Millie Solon are retiring on Sunday, May 2, after just over 15 years with the ensemble.
‘It was just time,? explained the musical partners, who have been working together for more than 34 years.
Wilson and Solon began working with the chorale in the late 1980s. Wilson explained that before he became director, the ensemble was known as the Choral Creations and was a much smaller group. The name changed after he accepted the director’s position.
Lew Wilson currently works as a counselor at Oxford High School; however, before this he was actually the band and choir teacher for the district. Wilson, who’s taught choir for more than 30 years, stopped teaching instrumental music in 1986, and was approached shortly after about leading the Classic Chorale.
‘They asked me to do it,? explained Wilson. ‘I guess when I dropped the band program they figured I had more time.?
Solon has been accompanying for Wilson since he first came to Oxford as a music teacher.
‘I haven’t directed too many groups she hasn’t accompanied,? said Wilson.
‘Just being a part of the music programs – at the schools, in the church, in the community – has been a wonderful part of my life,? said Solon. ‘If it wasn’t for Mr. Wilson, I wouldn’t have that.?
Both musicians know they will miss many things about the ensemble. For Wilson, the people are what brought him to the group and the people are what he will remember the most.
‘The people are wonderful. It’s a neat group of ladies,? said Wilson. ‘Real nice people who love music.?
‘This group meets once a week, and they work hard once week. Their effort is kind of priceless. I know I will miss their laughter as well. We have a lot of fun.?
‘I love the sound they make,? added Solon. ‘It’s just a beautiful group making beautiful music with beautiful people.?
Wilson and Solon’s final concert is this Sunday, May 2, at the Oxford Free Methodist Church on M-24. The musical program, titled ‘What Would I Do Without my Music,? will include about 20 pieces by soloists, ensembles, the Chorale and the church bell choir. The concert begins at 6 p.m. and admission is a free will offering.
‘We’re just going to try to make it a good concert,? said Wilson. ‘It could be a very emotional one, but a good one. This is a pretty special group with lots and lots of great memories.?