When the Community Chorale was formed, they had everyone in mind.
Now in its second year, the chorale wants to be a mainstay in the Grand Forks arts community, Grand Forks Chorales executive director Nicole Derenne said.
The Grand Forks Community Chorale will perform their first solo concert at 2 p.m. Sunday at the United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. The UND Allegro Women’s Choir and Varsity Bands will also perform at the concert.
The chorale will perform sections of the choral work “Elijah” under the direction of artistic director Wes Lawrence. They will perform with the UND Allegro Women’s Choir and Varsity Bards.
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The chorale, which began in 2013, is a non-auditioned choir for singers who are passionate about the choral arts. The group, Derenne said, is intended to bring people of all abilities who are passionate about the art of choral performance.
The group of about 20 members is open to anyone who likes choral music and is interested in singing in an organized group.
“This is just another way for people to get involved in the community and in the arts,” Derenne said.
The Community Chorale is a branch of the Grand Forks Chorales, a nonprofit arts organization that has two choirs: a Masters Chorale and a Community Chorale.
The Master Chorale is a professional-caliber adult choir that presents rare and recognizable choral music from a variety of eras, languages and musical styles.
The Community Chorale, Derenne said, features singers of all abilities who are passionate about the art of choral performance are welcome to join the Community Chorale. This group plays two shows during the season.
John Shabb, an associate professor of biochemistry at UND, was previously a part of the Master Chorale but has since moved over to the Community Chorale.
Shabb, who also serves as a board member for the Grand Forks Chorales, has sang in choirs his entire life, but said the chorale is unique because of the wide range of abilities and backgrounds that the members have.
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Like many in the group, he said he is drawn to the group because he has a passion for singing and enjoys the camaraderie of the group.
“I love singing,” he said. “It’s a wonderful way of going to another place. I’m a scientist, and this is a great use of another part of my brain.”
The performance Sunday will be the first solo show for the Community Chorale, something Shabb and other members are excited about. He said they’re nervous just like any of performance, but he hopes the low-pressure environment of the chorale will allow them to bring out their best.
“You’re always nervous, but that’s the great part of music,” he said. “There’s no point in making music if you don’t share it. Music is made for everyone to appreciate.”
IF YOU GO
What: Grand Forks Community Chorale concert
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
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Where: United Lutheran Church
Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens or $12 for a family (two adults and two students)
Info: (701) 777-2814
