Voices of Alpena to promote local singing
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ALPENA -- Stephanie Bender, a resident of Alpena, has begun an effort to bring more singing opportunities for people who live in the community.
Bender has a background in singing and has been living in Alpena for the last six years. She said it was difficult when she first moved here to find opportunities to sing and she wants to help unite people who enjoy music and their vocals.
"It was difficult to find out what was going on and how to get involved," Bender said.
She started a Facebook group called Voices of Alpena – Singing on the Sunrise Side, where anyone in the community can post singing events.
Voices of Alpena is a growing community effort to connect people with local singing opportunities, from casual sing-alongs and community chorus experiences to concerts and other vocal events.
Bender said that singing is a great way to connect people of all ages, demographics, and beliefs.
"It's such a great way to encourage community," Bender said. "There's something special about making music together."
Bender said that singing is good for mental health and she always comes back feeling better after singing with a group of people.
Bender is trying to restart the Thunder Bay Arts Community Chorus, which she said disbanded a few years ago when the director and accompanist were no longer able to continue with it.
She wants to get multiple directors and accompanists involved so the chorus is not dependent on one set of people.
The chorus will have a four hour rehearsal and Christmas concert on Dec. 5 that anyone of middle school age to adult can be a part of. Rehearsal will begin at 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., with a 6 p.m. singer call. The concert will start at 7 p.m. in the Alpena High School Auditorium.
Bender said she hopes that event will help kickstart the chorus. She hopes to begin regular rehearsals for a spring concert once the Christmas season is done.
The next singing event coming up, the Sunrise Side Sing-Along, will be at 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the Alpena County Library community room. The event will be a relaxed 45 minute sing-along featuring familiar songs centered on fall, gratitude, friendship, and community. All ages and voices are welcome.
At 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 28, the Besser Museum will have a Yuletide Caroling event at the historic village church. Anyone can come to sing familiar Christmas carols.
Bender said she is just trying to get the ball rolling to get more community singing happening, and hopes the events will encourage people to make music throughout their lives.
Other future ideas include community recitals, family singing events, small ensembles, collaborations with existing local music groups, and additional opportunities for experienced singers who may want more challenging repertoire or smaller-group work.
The goal is a range of experiences – from very casual participation to music-making that asks more of the singer.
Voices of Alpena is not intended to promote only Thunder Bay Arts Council events. A central goal is to help all local singing organizations share what they are doing. School concerts, church choirs, community ensembles, festivals, open mics, recitals, and other vocal events are all welcome.
The hope is that someone who enjoys singing – or simply enjoys hearing people sing – will have an easier time finding what is happening locally.