Bennie Carol Botts is the Director of the “Silver Tones” a senior citizen singing group. She also directs a group of bell ringers, all of which perform for the community in and around Fort Payne.
Nearly every Monday, the 19-member singing group can be heard at nursing homes throughout the county, but one Monday per month they dedicate to rehearsal, rather than performing.
“As the director, I select the music we sing and the locations at which we perform,” said Botts. “We welcome senior citizens from the community to come audition. We would especially love to have a few more men in the choir.”
The songs are spiritual in nature, but not limited to gospel and are commonly accompanied by a pianist or recorded music. The group is supported by the First Methodist Church, but the members of the groups come from several local churches.
They have a 50 song repertoire and the members volunteer their time. The group got their name from former member Francis Davis, who is now deceased. The oldest member of the group is 85 years young.
As director of the bell ringing, she oversees the 48 bells of varying sizes. The bells provide four octaves of sound, and 11 individuals are used to perform the musical pieces. Those performing need to be able to read music to know when to ring the bells assigned to them.
Botts has always loved music, she learned piano at age five and sang in a choir at age 13. Her mother was a classical musician. “Music has always been part of my life,” said Botts.
She grew up in Southeast Alabama, and although her husband’s work carried them other places; they knew once they retired they wanted to be close to Birmingham where their daughter lives. “I came here once on a school field trip to DeSoto Falls, I loved it,” said Botts. “I came back after retirement and still loved it here, so here we are.”
Anyone interested in learning about where to see a performance or audition may contact Bennie Carol Botts at 256-997-9103. Bennie Carol’s Motto: “Music is fun.”
— Marla Ballard’s Who’s Who appears each Tuesday.