Community members invited to belt out tunes
Vocal cords are required, but talent is optional for those
wishing to partake in the 18th annual Sing-Along Messiah, presented
by the Center for the Arts and the Sebastopol United Methodist
Church.
John Maas will conduct the event, which features local
instrumentalists and soloists to bolster timid voices.
“It’s an opportunity for people who don’t have confidence as
singers, to come and listen, but also sing as much as they want to
try to. We have a range of skill levels, from people who have never
sung to people who are very experienced choral singers,” said Maas,
who was a music-major in college and today composes choral music,
and holds a job as a psychologist.
Maas conducted La Pena Community Chorus from 1981-1987 and the
Berkeley Harmonica Chorus and Orchestra from 1988-1991.
The seed for Sing-Along Messiah (with Maas) was planted in the
early ’90s after he invited a group of friends who like to sing and
others who make up a string quartet to join him in an informal
sing-along. Professional musician, Janis Wilson, was one of those
friends and the one who arranged for Maas to conduct Sing-Along
Messiah with the support of the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. And
the rest is history. …
“I like the combination of having enough highly skilled
musicians – who make a beautiful faithful sound – and at the same
time including people who don’t ordinarily get a chance to perform
at this level,” Maas said of the sing-along. “Occasionally we might
even laugh if we make a mistake; it doesn’t have to be serious. But
overall, we are producing beautiful music.
“We do it with gusto and sensitivity and a sense of humor. The
sound is beautiful and imperfect, but the people who come really
enjoy it and are able to experience the beautiful music in a
setting that is acoustically and visually beautiful,” Maas said.
“It’s just a great way to celebrate the holidays. … I think for
many people it’s the high point of their holiday.”
“I have seen people come in that didn’t think they could keep up
with the singers or choir and it’s amazing what they can do,” Event
Coordinator Sue White said. “It’s a community thing. It’s very
Sebastopol, very small town,” she said of the sing-along that 60 to
90 people participate in each year.
Singers have the option of rehearsing, but it’s not required.
Those wishing to practice are invited to rehearse with Maas at 4
p.m., Dec. 4, at the Center for the Arts, 6780 Depot St.,
Sebastopol.
Sing-Along Messiah will be held at 3 p.m., Dec. 10, at the
Sebastopol United Methodist Church, 500 North Main St. No previous
experience or vocal ability is necessary.
Tickets cost $6 each, or $15 for a family of four and are
available at the door. Refreshments will be provided.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Sebastopol Center for the
Arts and the Sebastopol United Methodist Church.
For more information call the Center at 829-4797.
