Sisters High Desert Chorale preparing for fall term

The Sisters High Desert Chorale will soon reconvene for its fall term, in preparation for holiday concerts in December. To mark the end of their summer hiatus, however, their first order of business was to meet for an informal potluck dinner last week.

The community choir organization has been a part of the Sisters musical community and local holiday celebrations for more than 20 years, and the group is actively encouraging new members to participate. All interested singers are invited to learn more about the group, meet other members, and

join in.

There are no auditions, and 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 the fall rehearsal season is just about to begin. One pair of concerts takes place during the holiday season prior to Christmas. The other principal performances are held in the spring.

The choir is made up of talented personnel of all ages and all walks of life, dedicated to bringing the finest choral music to Central Oregon's high desert. The repertoire for the fall term will focus principally on holiday music, featuring gospel, traditional, contemporary and classical selections, and Christmas noels.

Performances are also planned by the High Desert Bell Choir and the recorder group Renaissance Sisters, both directed by Lola Knox.

The Chorale's holiday concerts will conclude with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah." As is customary, audience participation in this final piece will be encouraged.

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 Chorale's newest tradition is participation in the annual Sisters Memorial Day observance, with a performance of patriotic selections. Plans are already underway for the Chorale's fourth consecutive Memorial Day performance in 2013.

The first fall rehearsal is set for Monday, September 10, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, located at 386 N. Fir St. Practices are held each Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The new fall season will culminate with free public holiday concerts in December.

The Sisters High Desert Chorale is under the direction of Irene Liden.

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

[email protected]

band.com. For more information visit www.sisterschorale.com.