Lift your spirits with the musical community of choir
by Jay McKinney
Do you rock out to your favorite tunes behind the wheel? The windows are down, a late-summer breeze blows through the car and the steering wheel becomes a makeshift drum set as that catchy song comes on the radio. Maybe you’re a shower singer? Perhaps you’d like to take your singing to the stage—join a community choir. Joining a local choir can help you meet new people and make friends with similar interests. It’s a great way to feel part of the community. Choirs often explore a wide range of music, from classical to contemporary, which can broaden your musical horizons and appreciation.
Not only is it an enjoyable hobby, but learning and memorizing music can improve cognitive functions such as memory and concentration. Singing is shown to improve mood, reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being. The sense of accomplishment from learning new music and performing can also boost self-esteem.
Anna Kaye, the executive director of local choir Voices Rock, felt a bit isolated when she moved to Denver 10 years ago. Until she found the choir.
“I walked in, and I don’t even remember what they were singing but it was probably something like ‘Fat Bottom Girls,’ and a few people had wine in their hands, and people were so welcoming and warm,” she says. “I immediately knew I had found a group to help me settle in here. It was the best activity to come across, particularly as a new person in Denver.”
Even if you don’t have visions of becoming the next Beyoncé, regular practice and instruction can help improve your singing technique and vocal health, and performing on stage with a large group allows you to share your love of music with an audience, while tempering any stage fright you might have.
So, how do you get started?
First, consider your options. Denver has a host of local choirs including Choir League, The Colorado Choir, The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, Denver Women’s Chorus, Cherry Creek Chorale, Sound of the Rockies, Voices Rock, 5280+ Senior Chorales and more. Make sure the choir’s music aligns with your interests, and once you find the one that feels right for you, consider the location, schedule and time commitment. Apart from weekly rehearsals, consider the additional time for performances, occasional extra rehearsals and personal practice. Some choirs expect members to attend all rehearsals and performances, while others might be more flexible.
Additionally, some choirs require auditions to assess your vocal range, ability to read music and overall fit. Basic music reading skills can be helpful, though some choirs offer support for those less experienced. Check if the choir you’re interested in has specific audition pieces or sight-reading tests. If you’re a beginner or prefer a more relaxed environment, look for choirs that don’t require auditions.
The Cherry Creek Chorale, founded in 1980, has an audition process and members are expected to have musical experience. The choir, which rehearses and performs primarily at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, is celebrating 45 seasons in the community.
“What sets us apart and makes us truly special in our forty-fifth season is our unwavering commitment to musical excellence, our passion for creating beautiful harmonies and our dedication to bringing joy to our audiences through the power of music,” says Brad Folsom, who does the choir’s marketing.
Members perform a wide variety of genres including jazz, folk, pop and religious classics.
The Cherry Creek Chorale is directed by Brian Leatherman who also directs 5280+ Senior Chorales. While the Mile High City is known for the 5280 moniker, the name was used to reflect the target demographic of singers—ages 50 to 80.
“These folks are having a great time, singing a wide variety of music and presenting free concerts which are open to the public at a variety of venues,” Leatherman says. The 5280+ Senior Chorales’ main goal is to provide health and wellness benefits through singing; anyone age 50 and over is welcome.
Think you’ve found the right choir, or trying to decide between more than one? Some choirs allow potential new members to sit in on a rehearsal to get a feel for the group. So, give it a test drive—no rolled-down windows or steering wheel drum required.
5280+ SENIOR CHORALES
4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. Highlands Ranch 720.255.1860
5280chorales.org
CHERRY CREEK CHORALE
4500 E. Hampden Ave. #4223 Englewood
303.789.5920
cherrycreekchorale.org
VOICES ROCK
voicesrockdenver.com
