SPORTS Theatre Orangeville Young Singers (TOYS) have been practicing since January for their spring concert, Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows, which will run from May 3-5. It's directed by Joy Bell (left) and Joan Borden (absent) and choreographed by Aimee Lococo (right). Pictured is the senior choir. Photo/ MANDI HARGRAVE Ready to end their 13th season on a high note, the Theatre Orangeville Young Singers - better known as the TOYS choir - is about to present its spring concert, Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.

Under the guidance of Joy Bell, founder of TOYS and director for the senior TOYS choir, and Joan Borden, director for the junior TOYS, the singers are in rehearsals and ready to perform.

"We have a variety of things in store for this concert," said Ms. Borden. "It's all about things that can make you smile."

TOYS is a performing choir for children 8 years and older. The members learn choral techniques, singing harmony and choreographed performances.

Ms. Borden says that for this year's performance, Jennee Gowing and Aimee Lococo are the choreographers.

"It's not just singing" Ms. Borden said. "We like to put together performances."

As a retired school teacher, Ms. Borden was drawn to the choir about six years ago because of her musical background, having sung in choirs and played piano. She is also assistant director of Orangeville's Sweet Adelines, an adult singing group.

Ms. Bell, also a retired school teacher, has spent many years teaching music in the community, having grown up in a musical household, taking piano lessons and singing with the family.

Orangeville became home in the mid-60's when her former husband moved the family from Oakville to town to help his family run the family business at the time, Armstrong Creamery.

Ms. Bell continued her study in piano later in life, and considered teaching piano as a good retirement job.

She began the TOYS choir in 1994 with the help of Jim Betts, then artistic director at Theatre Orangeville.

In 1997, TOYS competed and won the opportunity to be part of the Toronto production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, starring Donny Osmond.

"The kids sang in six shows a week for three months straight."

"We were also invited to sing for the Queen, during the jubilee celebrations in 2002, that was another highlight." said Ms. Bell.

After about four years and with so many singers participating at different age levels, it was decided to split the choir into two and have a junior and senior division. The junior choir was initially directed by Martha Wheelwright.

"With both choirs we have about 90 singers," said Ms. Bell.

"Many of our former students go on to study music in school and have singing and performing careers," said Ms. Borden.

Ms. Bell is the Orangeville Opera House and school program co-ordinator and has performed in many productions with the Orangeville Music Theatre.

Both directors are pleased with the success of the TOYS choir this year and hope the audience will enjoy it as much as they and the children enjoy performing.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Performances at the Opera House will take place May 3, 4 and 5. Call the box office for tickets, 519-942- 3423.