Cheri Emahiser
January 2026 marks Tanya Elias’ 10th anniversary as artistic director of the SaddleBrooke Singers community choir. Reflecting on the milestone, she shares, “Over these 10 years, this choir has reminded me again and again why I love making music. Their generosity of spirit, curiosity, and courage in singing (and sometimes acting!) from the heart have enriched me beyond measure. I am deeply grateful for their friendship, grace, and the privilege of making music with this gifted ensemble.”
On March 22 the SaddleBrooke Singers will take the stage with The Director’s Cut: A Decade of Notable Notes, a celebratory concert tracing 10 years of music, community, and resilience. This year’s program revisits audience favorites from 2016 through 2025, offering a musical time capsule of the ensemble’s most memorable performances, along with a couple that never had the chance to be heard.
The journey begins with the patriotic spirit of 2016’s Salute to America, featuring stirring selections such as Roger Emerson’s “O, America” and Joseph M. Martin’s “E Pluribus Unum.” From there, the Singers swing into the nostalgia-soaked charm of 2017’s A ‘50s Medley Melee!, a toe-tapping tribute arranged by Jay Althouse that captures the irresistible optimism of early rock and roll.
Broadway took center stage in 2018 with Everything’s Coming Up Broadway!, highlighted by Pete Schmutte’s vibrant arrangement of “Manhattan Melodies.” The following year brought the smoky glamour of And All That’s Jazz!, pairing Don Covay’s soulful “Chain of Fools” with the iconic “And All That Jazz,” arranged by Kirby Shaw.
The ensemble also honors the year that wasn’t. In 2020 the Singers prepared Lest We Forget: America the Brave, a program canceled due to the pandemic. This spring, two of its selections, “My Land” and the beloved “God Bless America,” will finally receive the performance they were denied.
After a necessary intermission in 2021, the choir returned in 2022 with Foolish Not to Love, featuring contemporary favorites including “City of Stars,” “Still in Love with Me,” and Jonathan Larson’s “Seasons of Love.” The momentum continued in 2023 with Swingin’ on a Song, a jubilant celebration of jazz standards such as “Swinging on a Star” and Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”
The Singers will also revisit music from 2024’s Folk! Rock! Paradox!, including lush classics like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “California Dreamin’.” Selections will also appear from 2025’s theatrical showcase And the Tony Goes To …, featuring the powerful TTBB arrangement of “Ol’ Man River” and the exuberant “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”
This spring’s concert brings the story full circle to 2026. The Director’s Cut: A Decade of Notable Notes concludes with André Thomas’ “I Hear America Singing!,” the very first musical selection Tanya Elias conducted onstage with the SaddleBrooke Singers—a fitting finale to a decade defined by artistry, perseverance, and joy.
With music spanning Broadway, jazz, folk, Americana, and pop, this year’s concert offers something for every listener. More than a performance, it is a celebration of community and the enduring power of song. Mark your calendars for our Sunday, March 22, matinee performance at 4 p.m. at the DesertView Performing Arts Center in SaddleBrooke. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at dvpac.net. Visit SaddleBrookeSingers.org for additional information.