Sisters Community Choir seeks new singers

After a five-week hiatus following its Christmas concert, the Sisters Community Choir is gearing up for spring and is actively seeking some new singers.

"Advanced musical training is not required," said George Larson, who has served as Choir Director for the last several years. "The only real requirements are a love of singing and a willingness to make the time commitment. All are welcome."

While in session, the choir practices each Monday evening, and the spring term will begin next Monday, January 26. There are no "tryouts," and Larson says that interested persons are invited to just show up. Practices typically last about two hours.

One of the most common concerns expressed by potential choir members has to do with planned trips or vacations. While Larson does keep track of attendance, he says, "I know that people have lives of their own. We hope everyone will come as often as they can, but I know that sometimes there are conflicts, or people are out of town."

Dates for the spring concert have already been set for May 2-3, and Larson announced that the centerpiece for the program will be "Requiem," by Gabriel Fauré.

"We will be accompanied by a small orchestra of strings, harp, and keyboard," Larson said. "The core of our orchestra will be the Dove String Quartet, four of the finest string players in Central Oregon."

The choir's piano and harp accompanist throughout the session will be Rebecca Smith.

"In addition to the 'Requiem,'" Larson said, "we will sing a set of African-American spirituals and gospel numbers of a lighter nature, which should make for a balanced and broadly appealing program."

For many years, Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration has hosted the choir for practices and performances. The church is located on the west side of town at 68825 Brooks Camp Rd. Practices begin at 7 p.m.

Interested persons are invited to contact Larson at 388-4895 for more information.