The Variations Community Choir will begin weekly rehearsals for the season on Wednesday, September 10th.
Director Colleen Weimer said they meet at the Calvary Baptist Community Church each Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.
"Everyone who likes any kind of music is welcome to join us," she invited. "We do have a variety of music; we like to have some challenging music, too, but lots of different genres. We try to hit on a kind of different theme every semester, and it's kind of fun."
Weimer said the first term runs from September until early to mid-December, with a break in January and then from February to the end of April.
Variations performs at Communithon, as well as hosting their own concerts in late fall for Christmas, and another one in the spring. They have also been sharing their concert-honed sets at local nursing homes.
"We have been doing Remembrance Day at the Legion Hall. We've kind of lead the music there, and that's a really nice community thing to be involved with. It's an amazing event. I'm really glad they continue to do that, and it's a packed house every year and a very nice tribute," she shared.
The choir is made up of more than 65 adult members of all ages.
"It's really neat to see some of the kids that used to be in high school coming back to sing now and just wanting something different and something for them," Weimer noted.
"It's a good activity for an individual. Busy moms, yes, it's hard to work in, but really nice to do something for yourself for two hours a week. If it doesn't work out every week, we are fine with that, too. You do what you can. If you have to come late because you're putting kids to bed or you've got other things going on. But I do find that with people, once they start coming, they think, 'I enjoy this. I can just forget about everything else for a couple of hours and just sing'."
She said their singers come from a wide range of backgrounds, some who can read music, some who can not. Some are confident, and others are still gaining their confidence.
"You need to be a good listener, and you need to surround yourself with people, and the confidence comes. You think, 'oh, I can do this', and not everybody can be the best. But a choir is not about that. A choir is about everybody taking their strong points and making a great group. Whatever you have to offer, it's great."
Aside from the two-hour a week commitment and the performances, choir members need to wear black on stage, with a green scarf or necktie, for a cohesive look to go with their cohesive sound.
"We do have a membership fee. It's very minimal, $40 for the whole year, and that just covers costs from our music, our rentals, things like that. So it is very affordable. If there's someone that just can't do that, we're fine with that too. We can cover it, but just a little bit to keep our fund going."
Anyone interested can reach out to Weimer or just show up at a rehearsal.
"Give it a try. And if it works, come back!"
Weimer said she has already been hearing from prospective new members for this year, and even if someone interested doesn't make it to the first couple of rehearsals, sooner is still better.
"Because then you'll be at the same starting point as everybody else, and I guarantee you're going to know somebody there. We'll figure out what section you're going to go into and who you want to sit with. That's important too."
Variations has steadfast accompanists, with Gail Murray on piano at every practice and performance, Sandy Wright on drums, Bob Satre quite often joins along with his guitar and other instruments.