Olson celebrates 50 years with Choraliers

In an age when participation in clubs and organizations is dwindling and it’s not uncommon for people to move several times throughout life (the average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime), spending five decades with one organization is a rare accomplishment. However, that is exactly what Donna Olson of rural Greenwood has achieved. She is completing her 50th year of directing the Clark County Choraliers, and sang in the group for five years before that.

“Fifty years! Where have those years gone?” wrote Olson in an email. “Music has always been a big part of my life. I sang in high school choir, and played in and directed the concert band and pep band. We had a pastor’s wife who would say at any moment, ‘Let’s sing this morning!’ No warning!”

Olson began her time with the Choraliers in 1968 when her mentor and friend Adeline Myhrwold invited her to join. Back then, it was known as the Homemaker’s Chorus.

“I loved the singing and camaraderie,” Olson wrote. “In 1973, the Chorus needed a director, so I decided to give it a try. Little did I know how long this job was going to last!”

Now, as the director of the group, Olson chooses all the music for two concerts a year. The spring concert typically has 10-12 songs plus some special music by individuals. The next spring concert will be May 5.

“I always tried to pick a variety of music, including some musicals, patriotic, sacred and just fun things to do that would appeal to everyone,” wrote Olson. “For many years we would put on a concert for the Greenwood Elementary students in appreciation for us using their music room for rehearsals and to show the young people that music was more than just a class you had to attend in school. Kids loved our hand puppet song!

“Every spring and winter we went to a care facility or assisted living residence so we could put some joy in their day. Music is very therapeutic and the reactions on their faces made us feel good that we could share our love of music with others.”

The Choraliers have also done church tours, singing at four to five churches on a Sunday morning. In addition, they present a yearly Christmas concert with the Clark County Male Chorus, providing an opportunity to sing four-part music plus their usual three-part women’s music.

Olson said she was grateful that music has enriched her life for so long, and she’s been able to grow as a musician and person over her many years in the choir.

“All my musical training started in high school with devoted band and choir teachers. I’m so grateful that I have been able to use that training to lead women in song. I’ve learned right alongside them every rehearsal. Some had never performed in a concert setting. I hope that I made them feel comfortable and empowered,” she wrote.

“We’ve had some very talented people as our accompanist. Of course, my favorite one is my daughter! Jodi Rueth has been playing for us for many years along with teaching music for 30 years. Jodi and I enjoy singing together for church or concerts.”

Olson encouraged any woman who loves to sing to consider joining the group.

“Before COVID, our group was about 25 women. We have dwindled in numbers and welcome women of all ages to join us. Come and give it a try; that’s what I did 55 years ago!”

The Choraliers meet Monday nights at 7 p.m. at Greenwood Elementary School. The group starts practice in September for the Christmas concert, which is the first Sunday in December. They then take a break until mid-January, when they begin to practice for the spring concert, which is the first Sunday in May. The Choraliers take the summer off unless they’re invited to perform at a special event. For more information on the choir, contact Olson at 715-551-6006.

Upcoming concert The Clark County Choraliers will host their annual spring concert on Sunday, May 5, at 2 p.m., at Calvary Lutheran Church, 213 Hill St., Neillsville. There is no admission fee and all are welcome to attend.

Donna Olson