By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

The Lachance family long ago discovered the joy of singing together.

This holiday season, they’ll join voices with the Tri-City Community Chorus to spread joy to the community through song. The 85-member chorus will present its annual holiday concert Dec. 11 at First Parish Congregational Church in Saco.

For the past four years, the Biddeford family has gathered with other chorus members for weekly practices in the basement of St. Joseph Church. Pat Lachance said singing is simply something she, her husband, Dan, and their two daughters love to do.

“It’s our favorite thing,” Pat Lachance said. “I just love the fact the four of us are doing something we love together.”

“It’s difficult to find something all four of us enjoy together. At least we know we’ll see each other once a week,” added Dan Lachance.

Kim Lachance, 26, and Beth Lachance, 23, said they enjoy the challenge of singing in the chorus, which is comprised of singers of all levels from Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunk and South Portland.

“I enjoy the challenge of singing in general. Seeing my family once a week is a bonus,” Kim Lachance said.

Kim Lachance is quick to point out her younger sister is “the talented one. I just have fun.” Pat Lachance said she always sits next to Beth Lachance so her daughter can help her read music.

The Lachances said they particularly enjoy music the chorus will perform at the holiday concert. Musical Director Michael Murray said the highlight of the show is “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. The selection features baritone soloist Christian Schwebler and cellist Anne Wilkinson. 

The chorus also will perform old English carols, “Ave Maria,” “Hallelujah Chorus” by Handel and familiar songs such as “White Christmas” and “First Noel.” The concert concludes with a sing-along for the audience of six classic carols.

“It’s a time for families to come together,” Murray said. “It’s just a warm feeling when you’re getting ready for the holidays.”

While Dan and Kim Lachance count “Ave Maria” as their favorite song to perform this season, Pat Lachance is partial to “White Christmas” for sentimental reasons. She grew up watching the movie with her mother every year, a tradition she continued with her own daughters. Though it brings tears to her eyes each time she sings it, Pat Lachance said she is eager to hear the chorus perform the song for an audience.

“To see what you can accomplish with all these different voices is amazing,” she said. “It gives you the shivers.”

The concert will begin at 7 pm. Dec. 11 at First Parish Congregational Church. Advance concert tickets are available from chorus members and tickets also will be sold at the door. The winner of a raffle for a 2010 Chevy Aveo will be drawn during the performance. Tickets are being sold for $50 each to raise scholarship money for local students studying music.

For more information, go to www.tricitycommunitychorus.com.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.