Canyon Lake Choraleers established in 1980

The Canyon Lake Choraleers began in 1980 as a small group of 12-14 singers who performed for senior and retirement centers. Once they began singing at the Lodge, where they currently perform, they sang for small audiences of about 100 people, who sat at round tables. The chorus even provided refreshments.

Erla Wetherall-Cloer recalled: “I remember one Christmas we had no director or accompanist. After interviewing a new director, who didn’t work out, Gail Christiansen, who was a church choir director came to our rescue and bailed us out.  Her son was a tiny tot who had just lost his two front teeth.  He sang ‘All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth’, and stole the show. We’ve had seasons when everyone, including the director, was sick with the flu and we hardly made the performance.

At our most entertaining show one Spring, Linda Hudson sang ‘I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair’ from South Pacific. During her performance, Vern Hand hopped out on stage dressed in a grass skirt and coconut bra, and again, stole the show with loud applause and cheering that brought down the house.

The Choraleers have evolved. The group is constantly challenged by our current musical director, Lorilee Bajema. We are stretched beyond our imagination right out of our comfort zones….and we love it. Lorilee is a genius, musically.

The proof is in our audience. What began as a small ensemble with an audience of about 100, is now a stout group of about 20 singers, with a sold out audience of well over 300 for the past 3 seasons, including the Spring concert of 2019, “A Night At The Opera”.

Our success is not only attributed to Lorilee’s creative direction, but to our President Larry Garland, who constantly keeps us motivated. We are like a family and there is not a dull moment.