By Jennifer Perry
For the Reporter
As a community filled with tremendous recreational opportunities, Redmond was missing one very important asset.
“It seemed like there was a big choir-shaped hole in the community somewhere,” said Laurie Hughes, founding artistic director of Redmond Chorale. Recognizing the need for a choir, Hughes began the task of building a vocal community. Filled with motivation and passion, she willed the choir into life.
“Her enthusiasm was so catchy that I jumped at the chance to work with her,” reflected Ceytha Bruner, secretary of the choir. The chorale quickly bloomed into sudden existence.
Redmond Chorale is a unique charitable organization. Funds from the concerts are gifted to charities across the Eastside. This year’s holiday concert will be devoted to Helping Hands for the Disabled, a nonprofit organization that provides housing for disabled adults.
Besides helping the community, the choir also brings together a diverse group of people.
“It forces you to get out of your comfort zone a bit and meet new people,” said Kristen Thompson, chair of the choir board.
Singers join from across the Eastside and vary widely in ages: from teenagers to adults. Members report that joining the choir has taught them tremendous confidence in artistic expression.
“Musical success is mental,” said Hughes. “It has very little to do with talent. It has more to do with perseverance, interest and friendship.”
The choir community provides the support necessary to tempt even the most timid singers out of their shells.
Hughes said, “It’s easier to achieve something musical when you’re doing it with 50 of your closest friends.”
With remarkable success in its first two years of existence, Redmond Chorale rapidly aspires towards its vast musical potential.
“I see (Redmond Chorale) growing because it’s a hidden treasure in Redmond,” said Martha Jones, member of the chorale. “I think it’s really a matter of getting the word out.”
Hughes has lofty ambitions for the choir’s future, including a Pacific Northwest tour and choral-orchestral repertoire. Already, the choir is singing a commissioned piece to celebrate Redmond’s centennial, which will be performed at the Redmond Lights winter festival in December.
“I think we should put our fingers in as many different pies in the community as we can,” Hughes said. “We’ll probably need some more fingers, some more pies.”
With this unusual analogy at mind, Redmond Chorale has strong interest in increased community involvement. Community members are invited to attend chorale concerts, which occur three times a year at Meadowbrook Church. The chorale will be hosting a fundraising talent show Sunday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. Redmond Chorale is always interested in recruiting new members. The fall season starts on Monday with the first choir rehearsal at Medowbrook Church.
Anyone interested can contact Laurie Hughes at redmondchorale@gmail.com or visit www.redmondchorale.org.
