Clear your diary, and your throat

Photo by Bob Christensen

Coastal Voices, the premier community chorus on the Central Oregon Coast is starting its spring season by holding vocal Introductions for new singers.

Sessions will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Newport from 5:30 to 9 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and Tuesday Jan. 14, and from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, Jan. 18. 

Artistic Director Rhodd Caldwell will use each 30-minute session to assess the vocal range and the musical background of each prospective member.

“This is not an audition,” he said. “It is a learning opportunity for both of us. The new singer hears about us, and I hear about the new singer.” 

Neither previous choral singing experience nor the ability to read music is required.

“We have a strong support system in place for new singers,” said board member Margaret Mortimer. “I teach a Music 101 class before rehearsals as needed, and we assign a mentor to each new member who will answer questions and provide guidance.”

Beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 21, the chorus will rehearse every Tuesday evening from 6 to 8:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Newport. 

Caldwell has chosen “American Adventure: Best Foot Forward” as the theme for the group’s series of four concerts in May.

“The selections range from early American folk and sacred songs to modern offerings by contemporary American composers such as Tom Paxton and Paul Simon,” he said. “This is music that will be fun to rehearse as well as perform!”

Coastal Voices has been presenting vocal music throughout Lincoln County for more than 25 years, fulfilling its mission to create a sustainable and inclusive organization that celebrates, promotes and develops the choral arts.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is located at 414 SW 9th Street in Newport. For more information, go to coastal-voices.org or call 541-283-6295.