Coastal Voices, the central coast’s 52-voice choir, is welcoming potential new singers to “vocal introductions” on two different days in Newport.
Singers interested in joining the group should come to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Newport from 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13.
The vocal introduction process, according to a news release, is “supportive and low-stress.” Artistic director Rhodd Caldwell will use the time to “get acquainted with prospective members and assess their vocal ranges and prior singing experience.” Minimum age for new choir members is 18.
“Singing is sustained speech,” according to Caldwell. “If you can talk, you can sing.”
The process is “not a test to see if someone’s ‘good enough’,” the group’s website explains. “It’s a gentle consideration of whether what a potential singer has to offer meets up with what our group has to offer.”
Following a three-concert series in early December, the group is looking to expand for its spring season. “I want to make Lincoln County the county that sings, beginning with 75 of us in a room making music together,” Caldwell said. The group’s web page (https://www.coastal-voices.org/) has more information, plus a link to a sign-up page to make an appointment for a vocal introduction.
The group’s concert series “Spring Homage” in May will continue the 25th anniversary celebration of the group, founded in 1998 as the Central Coast Chorale. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at the Newport Elks Lodge. For more information, email info@coastal-voices.org, or call 541-283-6295.
