St. Timothy Catholic Church Choir will pay tribute to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting as part of its July 1 “Celebrate America” program at 4 and 7 p.m.
Maestro Bill Doherty personally knew three of the 49 victims. Those three, “had been voice students of mine,” said the director of the choir and Central Florida Lyric Opera, based in Orlando. “To see them gone at such a young age is a real tragedy.”
Members of The Central Florida Lyric Opera — Sam Reynolds, Debbie Garrett, Heather Ard, Andrew Struhar, Kathleen Kane and Chase DeCarlo — will join the 130-voice choir. The program honors the history of America and men and women in the Armed Forces.
Also returning is Devin Eatmon, the talented young tenor who is currently studying vocal performance at Florida State University. He is a former Harold S. Schwartz Music Scholarship winner and graduated from The Villages High School.
Eatmon will sing “The Ones Left Standing,” in honor of those killed in the massacre.
“The song challenges the listeners who are ‘the ones left standing’ to put behind the fear, terror and depression that comes in the aftermath of such a tragedy,” Doherty said. He added that the goal of the song and the tribute is “to find the strength to bring about a real change in the world.”
The song was written by Wayne Watson, but Doherty is writing a special arrangement for the program. “It’s very moving,” Doherty said.
Also, a video presentation will honor the first responders, including police, fire, doctors, nurses, EMTs, and citizens who helped save lives at great, personal risk.
“I want this tribute to focus on the things that make America great,” Doherty said. “The true spirit of America came through that awful night with all the people who risked their lives to save others. This is what makes us great and this is what makes us stronger.”