SHS Choir's Messiah tradition continues
Posted on 12/24/2021
(SPS) -- In 1962, Sapulpa High School choir director VeDon Law began a Christmas tradition for his students. They performed George Frederic Handel's beautiful Christmas oratorio "Messiah" for the Sapulpa community at a local church.

Law led the choir department for 20 years, and the choir room at Sapulpa High School now bears his name. In 1981, choir director Mark Sumner added a new layer to the Christmas tradition, inviting choir alumni to perform "Messiah" alongside choir students.

Each year, Sapulpa's Blue Blazed Marvels advanced mixed choir dons their blue blazers to sing with their parents, aunts, uncles and neighbors. Now led by choir director Gina Myers and organ accompanist Bruce Wilkin, as well as pianist Suzanne Law (VeDon Law's wife), this year's performance took place on December 14 at First Presbyterian Church.

"This is a great holiday tradition because it involves former students, giving them a chance to rejoin the choir they loved being a part of in high school," said Wilkin. "It always amazes them how they still remember the score so well."

Among those performing were three generations of talented women. Kay Austin, a grandmother, graduated in 1969 as a student of VeDon Law. Her daughter, Angie Anglin, graduated in 1989, and sang in the choir with Gina Myers who was attending Sapulpa High School at the time. And, Anglin's daughter, Hayley, an SHS junior, sang a solo part during this year's "Messiah" performance.

"I was ecstatic when I heard Gina Myers was going to be the choir director," said Angie Anglin. "I couldn't wait to get Hayley into choir."

Next year's performance will be the 60th anniversary of "Messiah." Thank you to our choir students, alumni and directors for bringing holiday joy to the community for so many years!

Angie Anglin, Kay Austin and Hayley Anglin
Angie Anglin, Kay Austin and Hayley Anglin are 3 generations who sang "Messiah" at First Presbyterian Church.