MUNCY -- After nearly 40 years, a well-known choir director from Lycoming County is ready to retire.
Members of the West Branch Chorale say it was bittersweet to see their friend take her final bow next week.
Jean Berninger looked through piles of pictures. Each one is a memory she's made performing with and directing the West Branch Chorale, a singing group from Muncy .
“We've been to Europe 5 times singing,” said Berninger.
She took over as director a few years after she helped form the group in 1970. After nearly 40 years and hundreds of concerts later, the director is ready to retire.
Berninger said, “I don't want to do it, but it's time. Just thinking about it is sad. It really is,” added Joy Barto, accompanist.
"Just thinking about it is sad. It really is,” added Joy Barto, accompanist.
It started out as a small choir of 14 and has grown. The group now has over 70 singers.
"They are all over the place. We even had a tenor come in up from Lock Haven and practice with us Monday nights," said Bob Carichner of Hughesville.
The choir members always hold their practice at the Baptist Church in Muncy and over the years, they have slowly filled more pews. They say have grown in numbers but also as musicians thanks to Jean.
"That's what brought us all together, is just loving music,” said Nancy Winder of Clarkstown. “Jean is just an added bonus.”
A new director will take over the West Branch Chorale in the fall.
As for Jean, she said, “I haven't the faintest idea. If you have a part-time job, I need it.”
Jean Berninger's last performances with the West Branch Chorale are set for April 10 and 17 in Muncy.
