Monterey Peninsula Voices, a diverse choral group of around 50 singers, celebrates its 60th anniversary this week. The group is passionate about singing and welcomes anyone with a love of song, regardless of experience. The group prepares for two concerts honoring the anniversary at Monterey’s First Presbyterian Church, where they perform in clusters based on their singing range.
Alto Juliette Le, an optometrist from Spreckels, has been a member for six years due to joy, happiness, making friends, and learning new songs. Board President Chris Hasegawa, who sings bass with the choir, agrees that making friends and having a sense of community are important aspects of being a member.
The COVID outbreak brought a halt to this sense of community and the joy of singing. To keep the group together, Boulware decided to hold rehearsals online, which was an arduous process. Despite the difficulties, something positive did come out of the experience, as the choir has gained friends in Arizona, Oregon, and Australia.
Board member and alto Julie Armstrong believes that the troubled times make singing groups like Voice of the Monterey Peninsula even more important. She believes it is their obligation to lift not only themselves but also their audiences up. The group is looking forward to performing alongside dance troupes and musicians at their upcoming concerts.
Boulware says they are always looking for new members and that Monterey Peninsula Voices might be an opportunity for those interested in singing and experiencing joy through a community of voices.
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