Valley Voices Choir returns to rehearsals

The Valley Voices Community Choir is reorganizing after a nearly three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

“Valley Voices is back in business and planning a winter concert that will be bigger and better than ever,” says Allyson Kuechmann, director of the choir.

“The pandemic has been a strain on us all,” acknowledges Jim Vashro, longtime choir member and vice president of its board of directors. “Now it’s time to get back to what we love.”

“The choir is like a family to me,” says Kuechmann, who founded the choir twenty-two years ago. “And I was thrilled to learn from our recent survey that the family is alive, well, and ready for a reunion.”

“Most of our members are returning,” board secretary Lauren Davis said. “But we have more openings than usual to welcome new members.”

“Especially men,” notes Kuechmann. “The more men we have with their bass and tenor ranges, the firmer the foundation we have for our sound.”

“Men’s voices round out the sound led by the higher women’s voices,” says David Vale, another board member who sings bass. “And although we men rarely get to sing melody, I just love to provide the solid foundation needed to provide the rich choral sounds that thrill audiences.”

“I’d describe singing in a choir like playing on a sporting team,” says Rosella Thompson, president of the choir. “Practicing is fun, learning to work with your teammates to perfect your game. And the final performance is like the championship game at the end of the season.”

The Valley Voices rehearse on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. The season begins with a rehearsal Sept. 12 in the choir room at Flathead High School. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. and costs $45. Everyone is welcome. Masks are optional. There is no audition, just a desire to sing with enthusiasm.