The public has the chance to engage in a unique musical event Sunday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m.
Three local choirs, Blue Ridge Vocal Connection, Grove United Methodist Church and Pulaski First United Methodist Church have partnered to create Blue Ridge Choir Connection, a one-day event bringing together multiple choirs from the area to enjoy an evening of outstanding choral music, and to join for an incredible closing song involving all choirs and singers.
The format is simple – 4 p.m. rehearse, 5 p.m. sing, and 6:30 p.m. eat! At 4 p.m., all singers will rehearse “I Will Bless the Lord” to be performed at the end of “sing” time. At 5 p.m., individual choirs will have 5-8 minutes to perform music of their choice. Then, all singers will join in one ensemble to perform “I Will Bless the Lord.” Imagine the thrill of 100 voices singing together to create beautiful, inspirational music! Fellowship will follow with a pot-luck dinner open to everyone.
Time constraints mean the number of choirs participating will be limited to 12, but there are still opportunities to join, so don’t delay. Get your school, church, or community choir registered today! If you’re not part of choir, join one! If you’re a budding choir director, put together an ad hoc choir for this event. Opportunities abound. Individual singers are welcomed to rehearse and participate in the closing ensemble song, and anyone who just wants to hear some outstanding choral music is encouraged to attend the 5 p.m. sing time and pot-luck dinner after. Visit blueridgevocalconnection.com for details. Questions should be emailed to thomas@blueridgevocalconnection.com.
Plans for this event were introduced at Blue Ridge Vocal Connection’s spring vocal workshop, Blue Ridge Choral Connection, and when attendee Callie Kilbourne heard about it, she said, “This sounds like a great choir building event. I’m in!”. Dr. Joe Borden was quick to become actively involved, offering to co-host the event, saying, “We need this in our communities!”.
The goal is to generate interest in choral singing, and to help local choirs grow their numbers. The art of choral singing is in dire straits, and multiple factors have led to the obvious decline in the number and quality of school and church choir singers. This event is geared toward reversing that trend.
Blue Ridge Vocal Connection
