Sisters High Desert Chorale begins fall term

The Sisters High Desert Chorale has announced the beginning of its fall term and is inviting new singers to join. All interested, curious - and even reluctant - singers are encouraged to attend practice, learn about the group, meet other members, and stay to sing.

There are no auditions and no required solos! Even a lack of experience should not be a deterrent. Everyone is welcome, and there are openings in all voice ranges: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. New male voices are especially welcome.

The organization describes itself as an all-volunteer, professional-caliber community choir. The chorale presents free public concerts twice a year, and is just now launching its fall rehearsal season. One pair of concerts takes place during the holiday season prior to Christmas. The other principal performances are in the spring.

In addition, the chorale's newest "tradition" is a performance of patriotic selections at the annual Sisters Memorial Day observance. Plans are already underway for the Chorale's third consecutive Memorial Day performance in 2012.

The choir is made up of talented personnel of all ages and all walks of life, dedicated to bring the finest choral music to Central Oregon's High Desert. Musical selections typically include a broad range of holiday, folk, gospel, jazz, classical, musical theater, and patriotic themes. The fall term will concentrate principally on holiday music, including traditional, contemporary, and classical.

The organization's goal is to offer its members the opportunity to develop their own musicality while simultaneously enriching the community by providing a quality performing-arts opportunity for local patrons.

The next rehearsal is set for Monday, September 19, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, located at 386 N. Fir St. Practices are held each Monday from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. The new fall season will culminate with free public holiday concerts on December 16 and 18.

The Sisters Chorale has organizational roots in the community going back over 20 years, and the annual Christmas concerts have become a community holiday tradition. Adding to that tradition, the Chorale's holiday concert will once again conclude with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah." As is customary, audience participation in this final piece is encouraged.

The Sisters High Desert Chorale is under the direction of Irene Liden, who has a degree in Voice/Opera Performance from the Eastman School of Music and a masters from the University of Southern California. She is professor emeritus of San Antonio College, where she taught voice, music theory, and choir ensembles.

New singers are invited to just show up, or contact Liden at 541-549-1037 or email

[email protected]