MARION –  Christmas seems a long way off right now, but it’s almost time to start rehearsals for the Sippican Choral Society’s annual Christmas Concert, and the regional community choir is looking for singers.

Everybody is welcome, including the young and not-so-young, experienced singers and those new to choral music.

“If you can sing in the shower, the Sippican Choral Society can teach you everything you need to know for this year’s program,” said Mike Chaplain, President.

The first rehearsal will be Monday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m at Wickenden Chapel on the Tabor Academy campus in Marion, and then every Monday thereafter until the concert performance on Sunday, December 4.

“If you’re interested, all you have to do is show up,” said Chaplain.

Doors will open at 7:00 p.m., and Chaplain advises everyone to come early to register and pick up their music. Dues are $40.

“This year’s program is going to be a little less “classical” than usual,” continued Chaplain. “Christmas season is many things to many people, but it’s an enjoyable time for nearly everyone, so we’re focusing on songs that will be fun to perform and also fun for our audience to hear. There will even be songs from familiar Christmas movies. We want everybody to leave the concert with the Christmas spirit.”

The covid pandemic shut down live music all over the world for a couple of years, added Chaplain, and now is the time to rebuild.

“We got rave reviews for our Spring Concert in May this year with a smaller group of about 25 voices. Think of a chorus as a musical instrument. The more voices there are, the more powerful the instrument. A few years ago, we had nearly a hundred singers on the stage for our Christmas concert. We hope to get back up to those numbers. Come join us. Be a part of something great.”

To keep everyone healthy and safe, the group rehearses wearing masks while maintaining social distancing. The covid vaccination is recommended but not required.

Sippican Choral Society is a self-supporting volunteer chorus. The organization pays its expenses by selling ads in its concert program, and through gifts and grants, ticket sales, and member dues. For more information, visit www.sippicanchoralsociety.org.