At 6 p.m. Feb 12 Darrell Day, director of music and ministries and youth development at First Presbyterian Church, will begin directing rehearsals for The Natchez Civic Chorale, a choir that will function as a non-auditioned community ensemble doing a wide variety of music including major choral works, as well as individual choir pieces — singing September through April and with the hopes of having a 60-80 voices.

To become a member of The Natchez Civic Chorale, email your intent to Darrell@fpcnatchez.net or call his cell number 727-483-2835 with any additional questions.

The first rehearsal will be at 6 p.m. Feb 12 at The First Presbyterian Church, 117 South Pearl Street, Natchez, in the sanctuary and will include an initial registration and participation of the expectations for this group.

There will be a few minutes of warm up and a look at several pieces. Darrell is currently looking at doing “Experiencing God – The Musical” as our first big work … sometime in mid-to-late April.  And if we are fortunate enough, a small orchestra to accompany this Chorale will be added to the first performance. If anyone is an interested instrument player, please let Darrell know.

Please come ready to enjoy singing and Christian fellowship with all God’s people living within our community, regardless of one’s religion, sex, race or church affiliation.

Nothing sets the tone better than “music” when all God’s people come together to produce great music that will only enhance the worship experiences felt in all of our churches within the Natchez Community.

This time together will also allow us to understand each other’s cultural backgrounds that opens the door for discussion and understanding of our many likenesses, as well as our differences — but with God’s love and our respect for each other, we will be able to sing as one and understand each other as one — making joyful music for all of our community to enjoy and experience.

I truly believe that “music” is the “universal language” and the “Natchez Civic Chorale” can be the perfect means to bringing unity within our community, starting this year, Feb. 12, and continuing throughout all the years to come.

Thank you in advance for your time and hopefully, your participation of joining this wonderful community choir.

And don’t forget to contact Darrell Day in advance, so he will know how many scores of music to have available for the first rehearsal 6 p.m. Feb. 12 in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 117 South Pearl Street.

Mary Lessley is an active member of First Presbyterian Church and Chancel Choir and a Natchez Festival of Music Board member.