The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Despite our recent heavy snowfall, Connie Gunterman, director of the Sisters High Desert Chorale, has her eye and ear turned toward spring.

"Well," she announced, "the sun is out and the birds are singing, so it's time for our Chorale to start practicing for our spring concerts...."

The Sisters High Desert Chorale Spring Performance is tentatively planned for the weekend after Mother's Day (May 17 evening and May 19 afternoon concerts). The Chorale will be again joined by the popular third-and fourth-grade choir from Sisters Elementary School under the direction of Sara Miller. They are working toward a March Festival in Bend with an animal theme so they will already be prepared for the concerts in May.

Sue Edgerton, who has been singing with the chorale since its inception, said, "I love to sing in the High Desert Chorale in Sisters, under the direction of Connie Gunterman. She helps the singers to be our very best; we have fun, and love making music together. I am lucky enough to have sung in a community choir in Sisters since we moved here in 2002, under three different directors. I hope to see more new singers this spring... Come! You will be welcomed and will also enjoy singing with us!"

Practices started last week at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration (68825 Brooks Camp Rd., Sisters) in the community room. Practices are held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Monday until concert week in May.

Gayla Nelson, another soprano, said, "The hills come alive with the sound of music. Singing with the Sisters Community Chorale, under the direction of Connie Gunterman, with accompanist Donna Moyer, is pure joy!

"Connie is gifted with amazing musical talent and knowledge. She challenges chorale members to achieve levels of music many of us never thought personally possible. We laugh, we have fun and, in the process, we learn and are continuously inspired to work hard to be the best we can be. Each season, when the last strains of the final concerts fade away, for singers, it's on a par with leaving summer camp."

Gunterman notes that, "The choir will sing favorites from old and new shows, movies and musicals. No audition is required and all singers are welcomed. This is a fun group that truly enjoys the chance to not only sing, but be a part of the community and give back with the gift of music. We're recruiting, so if you want to sing with a wonderful group - please join us!"

For more information, contact Gunterman at 541-588-0362 or any Chorale member.