Watsonairs 70th: Concert Countdown! The Fabulous Fifties

Get ready to celebrate and honor the Watsonairs' incredible seventy-year journey of beautiful singing! In the upcoming posts, we're diving into fascinating historical tidbits about the music that impacted the last seven decades. Let's kick things off with the fabulous Fifties!

Frank Sinatra This photo by unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

The 1950s was a golden era for music. Legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Little Richard, Bobby Darin, Johnny Cash and Frank Sinatra defined the decade by introducing the world to exciting new styles that paved the way for artists in following decades. Many of the timeless classics from that era continue to provide endless joy and entertainment today.

Elvis Presley This photo by unknown author is licensed under CC BY

Which of the notable songs from the 1950s do you recognize: Come Fly with Me by Frank Sinatra

I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash

Walkin’ After Midnight by Patsy Cline

Shout by The Isley Brothers

Bye Bye Love by The Everly Brothers

Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley

La Bamba by Ritchie Valens

Little Bitty Pretty One by Thurston Harris

Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing by The Four Aces

That’ll Be the Day by Buddy Holly Check out this fun article by Will Fenton 40 Best 50s Songs (Top 1950s Hits).

70 YEARS! 7 DECADES Watsonairs

Watsonairs Host Workshop by Celia Barthman

Celia Barthman delivered an absolutely fabulous workshop for the Watsonairs last night! This marks her second year leading a workshop designed to tackle common singing challenges, and it was a hit! Participants were led through a variety of vocal exercises based on their questions and particular singing challenges. The evening provided insights, lots of laughs, and easy-to-use strategies to improve singing in a choral setting.

As highlighted in a previous post, Celia is an American musician, teacher, and ethnomusicologist. She has served as a guest director and clinician for numerous schools and music festivals across the USA, Canada, and various countries in Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience as a music educator, she maintains an active performance schedule as both a French Horn player and vocalist. Celia is currently a music teacher, choir director, and vocal coach at the prestigious Wellington College International School in Shanghai, China.

Celia providing explanations and inviting participants to try out new choral singing strategies.

Individuals performing pieces for Celia to get corrective feedback.

View from the camera of individuals performing pieces for Celia to get corrective feedback.

Group enjoying the Zoom workshop!

Next Session Begins January 5th, 2026!

🎉 A very Happy New Year from the Watsonairs! 🎉 This is a monumental year for the Watsonairs as we celebrate our 70th anniversary! We're thrilled to invite women who love to sing to join our choir! Our exciting new session kicks off on Monday, January 5th. Practices are from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 1796 – 15th Avenue East, Prince Albert, SK. Our vibrant three-part choir is gearing up for the Spring Concert on Sunday, May 3. You can sign up online by clicking on this link: Watsonairs Winter/Spring Session or join us in person.

In case you missed last week's post, we're absolutely thrilled to welcome Celia Barthman for the second year to lead us in a dynamic workshop designed to tackle common singing challenges! The workshop will be held at the Messiah Lutheran Church on January 9, 2026, at 7 pm. We can't wait to welcome Celia and participate in her incredible workshop!!