End of an era: Tulare-Kings Counties Mass Choir will have final performance after 32 years
A 32-year gospel tradition will end Friday when the Tulare-Kings Counties Mass Choir performs its farewell concert at the Visalia United Methodist Church.
Why is the popular concert wrapping up? Founder and director Charles Parker is getting ready to retire. An English teacher at the College of the Sequoias, he started the choir as a branch of the BSTARS club for Black students in 1989.
As students graduated, he opened the choir to the public. Over the years, there have been members from Fresno and Kern counties ranging in age from 12-80. And the choir became more diverse.
“Anybody can sing gospel music, no matter what their ethnicity,” said Parker. “People came to the concert each year and wanted to join.”
Singers don’t have to read music. Once Parker selects the songs, he records each part. He used to put them on CDs but now puts them on YouTube so each member can rehearse.
Although several members were asking Parker not to quit, some long-time members said they were getting older, and it was time. And no one was willing to take over leadership.
“I will miss them,” Parker said. “After a while, you get to be like family. It’s like a reunion each time we start rehearsing again in October.”
Over the years, people have sometimes stopped him on the street.
"They’ll say, oh, you’re that music man. Your concerts are so uplifting. I leave a different person.”
But after teaching for 34 years at the college, Parker is ready to do some traveling and enjoy retirement.
Wanted to come to California
A native of Mississippi, Parker was teaching at Jackson State there when he learned Lincoln Hall, then president of COS was coming to recruit for a more diverse teaching staff. At the time, COS had just two Black instructors.
“I had always wanted to come to California, and I got hired,” said Parker.
He had this very southern accent, but he seemed to fit in. During his third year at COS, he was presented the Golden Apple Award, which was then an award voted on by students for the most popular teacher.
It didn’t take him long to start the choir. He had plenty of experience, although he was not a trained musician.
Parker directed his first church choir when he was only 18. When he came to California, he looked around for a church with a large choir. He found one in Fresno and was quickly asked to direct it. He’s been directing both choirs for many years.
Special guests
Over the years, the concert has brought in special guests, including some big gospel names. For their 25th anniversary, Vickie Winans, an award-winning gospel recording artist, was the guest.
This year, the guests will be the Saints Rest Baptist Church Choir from Fresno and the Mighty Oaks Barbershop Chorus from Visalia.
Bittersweet
Evelyn Smiley from Hanford has been singing with the choir from the beginning. Her son began playing drums with the group at age 15 and is still in the band. Her daughter sang in the group when she was younger.
“So it’s a family affair,” she laughed. “The only reason my husband didn’t sing was that it interfered with watching football.”
She calls the farewell concert bittersweet, but at some point, things end.
"It’s a six-month commitment yearly for us, and Charles, it’s all year. He has to listen to songs, pick out the ones to sing, and learn every part so he can teach them.”
But she thinks the group will continue to sing on occasion. Parker told them they’d been invited to sing at COS’ first Black graduation in May.
The group has also sung for Cal Edison’s multicultural celebrations and a Black history event in Fresno.
“I think we always will be a choir—as needed.”
Ethel Shaver from Tulare is another person who has sung with the choir since its inception.
“It’s been an incredible adventure, and Charles is an outstanding director and person,” she said. “I’m a little distraught that it’s ending, and I’m really hoping he may decide to continue.”
Shaver says Parker is a strict leader, but she loves that about him.
“I’ve learned a lot about singing, timing, and staying on pitch,” she said.
"I’ll be at the store, singing, and people will compliment me, and I say I have to practice!”
Both singers say it has been a wonderful experience.
“We just love to make a joyful noise,” said Smiley.
How to attend
Tulare-Kings Counties Mass Choir: Farewell Concert 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3 Visalia United Methodist Church, 5200 W. Caldwell Ave. Tickets: $10. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 559-430-5561.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Tulare-Kings Counties Mass Choir has final performance after 32 years
