For members of Lake County chorus Sisters of Sound, the landscape of their Tuesday nights has changed drastically since the last time they were together in person on March 10. But even though they can’t rehearse together in person at this time, they stay close at heart through on-line Zoom rehearsals. Each week features a different theme and singers participate in a costume contest, education, games and singing along to rehearsal tracks to keep their skills sharp.
Gloria Denmark, who has been a member of Sisters of Sound for 6 years, says, “The Zoom rehearsals have been a lot of fun. I always enjoy spending time with the chorus, it gives me something to look forward to. The different themes each night are always fun and creative.”
Sisters of Sound is a part of Harmony, Inc., an organization whose goal is to empower all women through education, friendship, and singing. They sing traditional and contemporary music arranged in the a cappella barbershop style. Local chorus members range in age from 8 and up and women from all backgrounds, ages, and musical abilities are invited to join. Even during this time of on-line rehearsal, they welcome guests and new members, even those who are new to four-part harmony singing.
In addition to providing entertainment for local community events, in a typical year the group attends two competitions, an area preliminary in Jacksonville in the spring and an International competition, attended by the top Harmony, Inc. choruses from the United States and Canada, which takes place in the fall. Sisters of Sound has been invited to the international competition for eight years running and it’s the pinnacle of their chorus season.
“We know it could be a while before we can safely be physically together for rehearsals,” says president Shannon Shelton-Muller, “so, for now, we will spend our Tuesday nights together via Zoom and enjoy each other’s company and sisterhood!”
If you are interested in joining Sisters of Sound for an online rehearsal, women of all ages are invited to contact them through their website www.sistersofsound.org. The chorus welcomes singers from all races, cultures, creeds, and communities, regardless of musical experience.
In the meantime, the group’s lighthearted on line rehearsals will continue on Tuesday nights. Member Lindsay Fontana confirms, “We love to sing, but at the end of the day we love each other enough to stay physically apart until it’s safe to rehearse under the same roof again.”
