CalRTA Changes Luncheon Time and Location to Monrovia

A group photo of the Brighter Side Singers. – Courtesy photo / TCHS Brighter Side Singers

Brighter Side Singers bring holiday joy to retired SGV teachers

The Brighter Side Singers of TCHS under Director Matt Byers will bring festive holiday music to members of the California Retired Teachers’ Association #71 (CalRTA); at their Friday, Dec. 14 luncheon meeting.  The meeting will take place at the Monrovia Community Center on 119 W. Palm Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016, rather than at the Arcadia location, and at 11 a.m. rather than at 11:30 a.m.  Some parking is available at the Community Center, but more ample parking is available on the street.  Carpooling is encouraged.  The cost of the luncheon for members and guests is $13.  For reservations, please call John Gera at (626) 286-0714.  The cost of the luncheon for those who pay at the door is $14.  Be sure to arrive early.

The earlier time was selected to round out a full meeting schedule, including the Brighter Side Singers’ show choir presentation of “Sing Joy!”  Traditional carols are on the program along with show choir selections featuring music from the film “White Christmas.”  Always in demand, the busy Singers have recently performed at Temple City’s Fall Festival, Disney’s Halloween Harmonies, PCC Chamber Choir Festival, and others.  Upcoming are the Holiday Concert at the SG Mission Playhouse on Dec. 18, and the musical “Mary Poppins,” March 15-17, 2019.

After attaining his music degree at CSU-Los Angeles, Matt Byers returned to his alma mater Temple City H. S. in 1986 and in time developed a district-wide vocal arts program covering grades four through 12.  He directs nine different choirs and is founder of the T. C. Summer Musical Workshop and of the T. C. Junior Honor Choir, as well as co-founding director of the T. C. Performing Arts Academy.  He has led performances in concert tours from Carnegie Hall to Disneyland Paris, and he plans to take his performers on tour this year to Australia and New Zealand.  Among his many honors, Matt was named a 2016-17 “Teacher of the Year” for L. A. County.

Also a graduate of TCHS and CSU-Los Angeles, accompanist Jon Howie has been the pianist for T. C. Schools since 1989 and accompanies for all rehearsals, performances and tours.  He is the music department’s archivist.  This talented musician also arranges music.

Membership in the California Retired Teachers’ Association (CalRTA) is open to all retired educators, as well as to current educators and to any others interested in joining.

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