Ecumenical singers celebrate the season

By Leanne Moore

MONMOUTH, IL — In 1979 a group of 12 singers got together to
form what would become a Monmouth tradition — the Ecumenical
Singers, directed by Leo Ramer.

“It’s never the same every year, but it grew to as many as 131,”
Ramer said.

Though the members have changed over the years and they perform
in ever-changing venues, two things remain the same: their
Christmas and Easter concerts, comprising a mix of adults, college
and high school students from various area churches and church
traditions.

“It’s a wonderful mix. Everybody’s very accepting of those
differences. It’s delightful to share those aspects,” Ramer said.
“In that aspect it’s truly a community chorus. It is a wonderful
thing. I always say it is truly a gift of the Holy Spirit when you
sing together.”

Their Christmas and Easter concerts feature the ICS children’s
choir, directed by Alisa Ramer, and are accompanied by a brass
section. They also feature the classical and sacred side of music,
“with a little contemporary thrown in,” Leo Ramer said.