Women’s chorus welcomes those interested in singing, fellowship
Area women looking for a musical outlet might want to check out an event to be held by the Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus next month.
The chorus will host a Summer Fun Sing rehearsal at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 13 at the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave., La Crescenta.
The rehearsal is open to women interested in joining the group.
“No auditions. Just come and sing with us,” chorus member Arlene Massimino wrote in a letter to the community. “The only requirements are a love of singing and a willingness to commit to Monday morning rehearsals.”
Founded in the 1950s, the Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus promotes women taking part in choral singing. In addition to the singing and communal aspects, the chorus raises funds for scholarships for students interested in studying music or pursuing a musical career.
The Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus was one of the original members of the California Women’s Chorus, a nonprofit dedicated to choral singing for women throughout the state.
The chorus has members from Glendale, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena and Sunland-Tujunga. They practice from September to May for performances both locally and abroad.
The chorus is also preparing for the California Women’s Chorus state convention in Orange next year, Massimino said. In addition, chorus members sing at community events and deliver cards with songs on various holidays, including Valentine’s Day.
“This will be a rewarding experience for people because when we perform, we can see the joy of music on the audience members’ faces,” Massimino said in a phone interview Tuesday.
“This is how we recruit,” Massimino said. “If it sounds good to you, and you can commit, then join us. When we meet in September, we begin rehearsing for our Christmas performance.”
The rehearsal is also an opportunity for the public to meet the chorus’ new director, Ki Park, who has worked with musicians and choruses throughout the Los Angeles area.
Park takes over leadership of the chorus from Sharon Schlarb, who has been director of the chorus since 1999.
To RSVP, call Schlarb at (626) 376-5383.
michael.livingston@latimes.com
