Why We Sing
“The core of choral music is community, all those voices and parts coming together and each time we perform, that community expands to include the audience and all the people they touch as well.” -Ryan Phillips, Music Director
“Mankind has been uniquely gifted, by our Creator, with the ability to create poetry, put that poetry to music, and then gather people together to sing it. We meet in music, with a unified goal and unified spirit, draw closer to one another, and lift each other up. Then we have the privilege to share all this with our audiences, drawing them, if briefly, out of the temporal. ‘The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul’ (J.S. Bach) — “How Can I Keep From Singing”!!! (Robert Lowry)
Nadeen Jahn (Soprano)
“I sing for a variety of reasons. It brings back memories of my childhood when our home was always filled with music. Unlike instrumental music, we get to tell the story of the song. It is creative not only with words but with dynamics, tempo, key, parts supporting each other, etc. It keeps my brain active and agile as I get older and we are a community of people who share a common love of singing. What a wonderful soul-filling experience to share these lovely sounds with each other and with our audiences.”
Diane Thomas (Alto)
“I choose to sing in a choir because singing is one of the things that makes me the happiest in this world. When I get to share that feeling with others, it’s even better. There is so much about the world that is heavy and depressing and hard, and creating music together and then sharing it with others brings beauty, peace, comfort, healing, joy, hope and so many other good things to those of us who sing, and to those who come and listen.”
Zinah Burke (Alto)
“Singing in ARS fills my heart with gratitude. It is truly a special community, as we are connected from our very breath, joining voices and listening carefully to each other as we create a beautiful sound. Beyond the notes on the staff, the friendships, laughter and emotional uplift of singing together are priceless treasures that I hope to enjoy for a lifetime.”
Carolyn Adler (Soprano)
“Participating with a group to perform strong, melodious pieces makes my heart swell with happiness. I love to hear the sound rise to the top of the hall and ring for just a few seconds after the singing stops.”
Sandy Hollowell (alto)