Village Voices to Kick Off Season with Picnic for New Members

Submitted photo The Leavenworth Village Voices’ 2017 “Christmas in the Mountains” concert at the Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene. Members shown are: (top row) Keith Henning, Dan Sidebottom, Howard Bumgarner, John Scott, Ted Fredericks, David Larson; (third row) Peggy Smallwood, Allison Bergstrom, Carolyn Giger, Dick Tabbut, Strode Weaver; (second row) Betsy Steele, Barbara Sorenson, Julia Pinnix, Rachelle McCann; (first row) Carol Henderson, Eileen Groby, Patty Varner, and Lana Larson.

Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2018 3:41 pm

Allison M. Bergstrom

The Leavenworth Villages Voices (LVV) invites prospective and returning members to the fourth annual Season Opener Picnic on Monday, August 13, at Lions Club Park in Leavenworth from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. LVV members will provide food and beverages (as well as guitar accompaniment for a sing-along!).

The picnic has been a great success, with several talented new members joining the choir in recent years. The event offers an opportunity for people who are considering joining and want to learn more about the group and level of commitment before making a decision.

The Leavenworth Village Voices is a community choir.

If worries about an audition or not knowing how to read music have kept you from joining in the past, have no fear. There are no auditions and reading music is not required. Practice CDs are provided so that parts may be learned by ear.

“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 18th year as Director. Anyone who can commit to regularly attending rehearsals, practicing between rehearsals, and memorizing their music and lyrics is welcome to join.

The Leavenworth Village Voices is a nonprofit organization founded in 1982 by the late Eleanor Culling. She dreamt of forming a community choir of men and women who share a passion for singing. The LVV is honored and excited to keep Culling’s dream alive, with the group embarking on its 36th season. 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 additional festivals and functions throughout the year.

LVV rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Leavenworth Community United Methodist Church, located at 418 Evans Street in Leavenworth. The first rehearsal is on August 20.

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, send us a message on Facebook or visit www.leavenworthvillagevoices.org and go to the “Contact Us” tab.

The 2018 “Christmas in the Mountains” concert series will be held at the Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene on Friday, November 30, Friday, December 7, and Sunday, December 9. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce by calling (509) 548-5807.