SING A SONG
McKinleyville Community Choir welcomes new members
Each week, folks from around Humboldt County gather to sing with the McKinleyville Community Choir.
The nonprofit choir — which holds free seasonal concerts — started in the early 2000s in McKinleyville. Today, performers ages 18 to 86 from Trinidad to Ferndale (and beyond) are involved with the group, which is directed by Jon Reisdorf.
Reisdorf has been singing with choirs and in smaller ensembles, as well as in musical theater productions, much of his life.
After graduating from the University of California, Riverside with a degree in history, he taught at an elementary school in Yucaipa (Southern California), where he was the school’s choir director. He’s been directing the McKinleyville Community Choir for several years.
People who enjoy singing are invited to join the McKinleyville Community Choir (MCC). Sopranos are especially needed. There are no auditions, and no prior experience is necessary; one just needs to be able to carry a tune to become part of this musical group.
“Those who like to sing and enjoy making new friends would have fun getting involved in MCC,” said Clare Greene, the choir’s manager. “The atmosphere encourages camaraderie among a diverse group of super people.”
The McKinleyville Community Choir is also looking for musicians who play guitar, sax, violin, drums or other instruments to accompany the singers.
Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Arcata Presbyterian Church, 670 11th St. People are welcome to “just show up” and join in the fun. There are two sessions a year (spring and fall). Dues for each session are $60, with scholarships available.
Greene says the choir performs a wide array of music, “from Bach to bebop to the Beatles.” Right now, the group is working on songs including “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Nessun Dorma,” “Down to the River to Pray,” “Ukrainian Alleluia” and others.
For more information about becoming a member of the McKinleyville Community Choir, contact Clare Greene at ccgreene46@ gmail.com or 831-419-3247 (email preferred). Musicians who’d like to play with the choir should get in touch with Jon Reisdorf at jonreisdorf@me.com or 707-822-4595.