NATCHEZ — Joshua Roberts is planning a joyful noise — a very large joyful noise.

Roberts is attempting to coordinate a church-based choir and he has invited every church in the phone book.

“We sent out about 250 letters,” he said.

Roberts is the assistant pastor of worship and creative ministries at First Baptist Church Vidalia.

Roberts said the idea for the area choir came about around December when the church would have normally been planning an Easter concert.

Roberts said the short span of time between Christmas and Easter this year, made for a smaller than normal Easter concert.

After consulting with a fellow music minister, the July concert idea was born.

“It’s a way we can include every church in the area,” he said.

On July 3, the yet-to-be-formed choir will assemble to perform a patriotic musical called, “Our Flag Was Still There.”

The location of the concert is still an unknown because no one is sure how many members the new community choir will have.

Roberts said response he has gotten from local churches so far has been very positive.

“They liked the idea,” he said.

Vidalia FBC’s Pastor Dan Glenn said he was also very supportive of the community choir.

“I’m excited,” he said.

“It gives churches that might not have a choir a chance to participate.”

And for Roberts the chance for the entire community to participate is rewarding.

“Hopefully we’ll get everyone involved,” he said. “If we get 60 or 80 members, that would blow me away.”

Roberts said should there be a need he has already contacted the Vidalia Convention Center as a possible venue.

May 1, will be the choir’s first official practice date at Vidalia’s fellowship hall.

Roberts encouraged anyone with an interest in choir to participate.

And the requirements for participation are minimal.

“Basically if you can sing (come),” he said.

For more information Roberts can be contacted at 318-336-7111.