Do you sing in the shower? In your car? Anywhere you can? If you do, we want you

The Leavenworth Villages Voices (LVV) invites prospective and returning members to our third annual Season Opener Picnic on Monday, Aug. 14, at Lions Club Park in Leavenworth from 5:30 to 8 p.m. LVV members will provide food and beverages (as well as guitar accompaniment for a sing-along), and the Leavenworth Christmas Tubas plan to entertain us all.

The picnic offers an opportunity for people who are considering joining and want to learn more about the group, requirements, and commitment before making a decision. In particular, the choir aims to pick up some additional male voices this year.

Perhaps you haven’t joined in the past because you did not want to audition or you don’t read music. Have no fear! As a community choir, there are no auditions. Reading music is not required, as practice CDs are provided so that one’s part may be learned by ear. All are welcome to join who can commit to regularly attending rehearsals, practicing between rehearsals, and memorizing their music and lyrics. 

“We strive to achieve a balance of performance excellence while remaining a true community choir where everyone is welcome,” says Larry Henderson, now in his 17th year as director.

The 2017 season marks the 35th anniversary of the Leavenworth Village Voices, a nonprofit organization founded in 1982 by Eleanor Culling, who passed away last year. Eleanor dreamt of forming a community choir of men and women who share a passion for singing. 

The LVV is honored and excited to keep Eleanor’s dream alive. Our members love to share the joy and peace of Christmas music while contributing to Leavenworth’s Bavarian theme and festive atmosphere.

Since 2015 the LVV has performed exclusively during the Christmas season. In addition to the annual “Christmas in the Mountains” concert series, the choir will perform during Christkindlmarkt and the Christmas Lighting Festival, including caroling in small groups downtown to spread Christmas cheer. 

LVV also entertains privately for tour groups, caregiving facilities, and charity events. The Ladies’ Ensemble—a voluntary subset of the choir—performs at some additional festivals and functions throughout the year. 

LVV rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Leavenworth Community United Methodist Church, 418 Evans Street in Leavenworth. The first rehearsal is on Aug. 21. 

Anyone who is interested in joining the LVV but is unable to make the picnic is welcome to attend the first rehearsal. For additional information, please visit our website at www.leavenworthvillagevoices.org and go to the “Contact Us” tab. 

The 2017 “Christmas in the Mountains” concert series will be held at the Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene on Dec. 1, 8, and 10. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce by calling 548-5807.

Allison Bergstrom is Vice President of the Leavenworth Village Voices.