The Long and Winding Road

By Chloe Blunier

On January 30th, a small group of Princeville students were given the opportunity to sing backup for a Beatles celebration concert. Called the Yoko Ono Choir, the group, led by the marvelous Chris Delbridge, included Princeville students Natalie Bashusen, Chloe Blunier, Brianna Olshawsky, Sophie Noonen, and Leah Wieland, Princeville alum Alex Lopez, Midland student Maddy Colby, and community member Hillary Hartley. A group of local musicians, including Cherry Whittaker, Jimmy Willis, and Mathew Curry The group was led by Craig Moore. The event was at the Scottish Rite Theater in downtown Peoria.

The group learned all of the music audibly. There was no sheet music and Delbridge did all of the instruction himself. The group had a blast at the theater. It was a repurposed cathedral, and so before anyone got there, they went exploring the building. There were stained glass windows everywhere and gorgeous architecture. The experienced musicians were extremely welcoming to the group and provided advice and encouragement in every area.

The group is planning two more shows. The first will be on April 3rd at the Castle Theater in Bloomington/Normal. The second will be in Keokuk, Iowa. Amber Brawley, Bryanna Clark, McKenzie Chain, Nadine Daugherty, Olivia Potter, Ruby Williams, and Sadie Bays will be joining the group for those shows.

The concert was an incredible experience for everyone involved. Delbridge put it best saying, “It was a dream come true for me to be asked to participate with musicians that I have admired for many years. Getting to share the experience with a group of my current and former students made it even more special!”