Members of the Catalina Community Chorus sat in a semicircle after a recent performance and talked about the impact of their music.
It was a fitting conversation for a group whose goal is to bring peace through song.
"Singing is the instrument of peace. When there is song there can't be war," said Cyndee Chaffee, founder of the group.
The singers were discussing their Nov. 11 concert at St. Andrew's Presbyterian church on the Northwest Side. It was the second performance of a collaboration with the Tucson Girls Choir titled "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of …"
"It's a great opportunity for the girls to sing with an older chorus," says Marcela Molina, Tucson Girls Choir director.
Besides giving the young singers a chance to perform, some proceeds from the concert will go to support a two-week trip to Europe for the girls choir.
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The community chorus started as Chaffee's dream.
She came to Tucson in 2002 to take a job as music director at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley. Once there she realized her mission was to bring an active community chorus to the Tucson area.
She issued an open invitation to join. At the first practice in January, 16 people showed up. The second practice had 35 members, and by the first concert the group had 45 members.
"The word about the choir spread like a wildfire," Chaffee said.
Today the choir has more than 90 members and continues to grow. They come from all walks of life and have various levels of music ability.
"I can't even read music, but I decided to join the group because I love to sing and the ideals behind the chorus," says Bev Klohen, an original member.
Members range in age from 50s to the upper 70s. But Klohen says the group would like to add younger members. And though members hold practices and concerts in in churches, it is not a church choir.
"I always wanted to sing in a large choir, and when I heard this group perform at The Fountains I knew I was joining," says Chuck Boyd, a member of the chorus for six months.
Anyone interested in joining may try out, says Chaffee. The choir meets at 7 p.m. every Monday at St. Andrew's, 7575 N. Paseo del Norte, for a two-hour practice session.
If you go
What: Catalina Community Chorus concert.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway.
Cost: Admission is free but donations are accepted.
For more information: Call 207-5360.
