PORT TOWNSEND — Rehearsals for the winter concert of Community Chorus of Port Townsend and East Jefferson County will begin Sunday.
As the group gears up for its holiday season, the chorus board of directors and its fall director, Sarah Moran, are calling all singers.
Winter concerts are set for Dec. 8-9. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Sunday with singing from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. that night, and Sundays thereafter, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1120 Walker St., Port Townsend.
The cost is $35 and scholarships are made available if participants need one.
Moran has selected three classical pieces by John Rutter for the first half of her program. They include the “Te Deum,” “Gloria,” and “Magnificat.” Moran rounds out the program with a variety of holiday-themed music.
“The fall program brings some new pieces and some great seasonal favorites for the audience to enjoy,” noted chorus president Linda Atkins.
“We want to invite men and women of all ages to join us,” Atkins continued.
Anyone aged 16 and up is welcome, and no auditions are required. Atkins and other members of the board explained that to do the music justice, it’s important to get a balance of singers in all voice parts: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Men’s voices are usually in shorter supply in the chorus, so any men who think they might like to give the chorus a try are definitely encouraged to do so.
“It is exciting to see the chorus rebuilding after the recent challenges we have all faced,” Atkins said. “Singing brings such a powerful connection with our community and is so darn fun. I love that the chorus welcomes all singers, even those, who like me, hadn’t sung for many, many years.”
In fact, one of the missions of the chorus is to assist people in returning to choral singing, whether or not they’ve sung since high school or college.
“We offer many opportunities to improve our skills and build back the voice,” Atkins continued.
She said that singalongs are among her favorite facets of the holiday program, so that the audience also can participate in the music. “We love for everyone to sing!”
The chorus board of directors has determined that proof of Covid vaccination will be required this season and is now studying the most up-to-date recommendations from the CDC and Jefferson County Public Health to determine whether masking will be optional or required.
For inquiries about masking requirements, and all other questions, visit ptchorus.org, call 360-643-3345, or visit the group on Facebook.
