Let me call you sweetheart; I'm in love with you...
By Jackie Perrone jacper@juno.com

Photo by Bob Carrol Carillon Carolers (l- r) Dave Sennema, tenor; Dana Fore, soprano; Rosanne McDowell, alto; Marc Rattray, bass

They'll Call You Sweetheart , By the Light of the Silvery Moon, and still Be Loving You Always. What better prescription for a romantic Valentine's Day?

For 20 years, the Carillon Carolers have brought their brand of lush harmony to Columbia shoppers and party guests. In their period costumes of velvet and lace and hats, this foursome has strolled the malls or streets or halls of public gatherings during the Christmas season.

They've programmed carols and pop tunes for the Yuletide. Now, after two decades, success has brought changes. New costuming provides a spring and summer ambience for love songs, dance tunes and other "golden oldies."

Rosanne McDowell sings alto and manages the quartet. "We love to entertain," she says. "We sang during the Christmas season at Richland Mall for many years, and now we have branched out with programs suitable for other seasons."

McDowell lived and worked in New York City for 11 years, and noticed carolers in Macy's during the Christmas shopping season. After returning to her home town of Columbia, she decided to try it here. The Carillon Carolers of Columbia are now in their 21st year.

The other regulars are Dave Sennema, tenor; Dana Fore, soprano; and Marc Rattray, bass. Several other local vocalists fill in occasionally. Robert Neese, who sings bass, has done arrangements for the Carolers for 19 years.

In 2000, the quartet, which had specialized in Christmas music was asked to perform at a Valentine's Day party at First Presbyterian Church, for the A.I.A. (Adults in Action) Seniors. That appearance triggered a move into different music, which could convey other sentiments and into alternate costuming for different events.

The Carillon Carolers sport velvet, wool, and hats made of felt for their traditional Christmas programming. For spring and summer appearances, they wear lacy silk, pastel patterns, boater hats for the ladies, summery ties for the men. And always, a fresh rose pinned on.

The Carillon Carolers will appear in the pages of Southern Living magazine in the May 2008 issue. Their reputation has been built with appearances at the Governor's Mansion Open House at Christmas time, as well as wedding receptions, senior programs, and club parties. They have sung at Richland Mall and Columbiana Mall, at the Old Mill in Lexington, at the Governor's Mansion Christmas Open House, and Five Points Holiday Shopping Extravaganza, as well as many private parties celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, and engagements.

Call Rosanne McDowell, 765-1764, or email rmcdowell44@ sc.rr.com.