Club of the Month: Red Wing Singers

What is the name of your club?

Red Wing Singers

What is the purpose of your club?

Vision: A group of adults who enjoy singing together.

Mission: To share our gifts with the community and have fun doing it.

How did this club get started?

In 1961, organist and choirmaster Harold Rygg of Christ Episcopal Church in Red Wing was asked to provide a choir to sing at the funeral of a prominent citizen. The 16 voices he assembled for that occasion continued singing under his direction.

Seven directors have led the Red Wing Singers in the intervening years, each with an individual style. The differing musical emphasis of each director has helped the Red Wing Singers develop a variety of abilities. The ensemble now performs a wide variety of music including classical, Broadway, popular, and jazz. The group has grown from the original 16 members to its present level of 36 auditioned singers.

How often do you meet?

We meet Monday nights for two hours from September through April.

What is your biggest event of the year?

The Red Wing Singers perform three local concerts annually, plus appear at other community functions.

I don’t know that any of them would qualify as our “biggest event,” but we do a show every spring. Past themes have been an Irish performance set in a pub, historical walk through the development of Broadway, and a 1940s Radio Show, and most recently “The Melting Pot” featuring a variety of musical styles that have influenced the development of American music.

Our spring concert is always held at the Sheldon Theatre. This year our theme is “Let’s Go To The Movies!” and performances are March 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Sheldon Theatre.

Who are your current officers?

Director: Cheryl Borgen

President: Robb Rutledge

Manager: Don Fricke

Secretary/Treasurer: Donna Palmquist

Are you accepting new members? How does someone join your group?

Red Wing Singers are always looking for talented musicians to join their group. Interested singers can audition any time by calling the director to set up an appointment. We are currently actively seeking a bass to join the group.

Is there somewhere people can find more information on your club such as a Web site?

Sadly, not yet. The best way to find out more is to contact someone in the group.

Do you do any fundraisers?

No

What else should people know about your club?

Our Christmas Concert is a big event for us. We celebrate the opening of the holiday season this year at 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 7 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. A donation will be taken.

What is your contact information in case we have any questions?

Cheryl Borgen (651) 388-6505

Tags: red wing singers, applause