Touch of Class Chorale, which launches its spring concert series tonight, is very much a family affair.
The group of about 40 singers launched in the mid-1970s when Orel Peru, who at the time was the choral director for Battle Ground schools, found himself inundated with requests from former students who still wanted to sing.
“He had so many alumni approach him telling him they wanted to continue, so he created our community choir,” said Laura Ross, the group’s vice president. “Now it’s a multigenerational thing, with a lot of the children of original members joining the choir.”
Peru died several years ago, but the group he founded has lived on.
Peru was Ross’ music teacher in 1976, when she was a freshman at Battle Ground High School.
She joined the group after her mother, Diane Watson, also a former student of Peru’s, got involved. And Ross’ daughter, Sarah Watters, is a member now, as well, Ross said.
“We also still have at least one member who’s been in the group since it originally started,” Ross said. “We’re still going strong, and we’ve changed the look a bit over the years. But we’re doing very well.”
A few years ago the group also became a 501(c)3 nonprofit so it could help others through its performances, Ross said.
“We decided that we want to give back to the community, so with every venue we sing at, we give them the option of giving half of the proceeds to the charity of their choice,” she said.
The group’s “Celebrate Life” spring concert series starts at 7 tonight at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 1206 N.E. Birch St., Camas. The show benefits the Camas-Washougal Co-op Preschool.
The group also performs at 2 p.m. Sunday at Elim Lutheran Church, 15815 N.E. 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. That show benefits Mercy Ships.
The concerts are a mix of music that celebrates spring and new life, Ross said.
“Some of the pieces are classical and some are newer,” Ross said. “It’s a great pre-Mother’s Day show too.”
Her favorite piece in the show is “You Are the New Day” by the King’s Singers, she added.
“It’s a real gentle, quiet piece,” Ross said. “It celebrates life and it celebrates love. It’s a real tight melody. It’s a really sweet piece.”
The spring series also includes two more performances next weekend. At 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2, the group will perform at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E. 18th St., which will benefit Opera Quest. And at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3 the group will perform at East Woods Presbyterian Church, 16210 N.E. 20th St., Vancouver, which will benefit Mill Plain Elementary School.
Prices are $12 for adults and seniors and $10 for children ages 6-16. The shows are free for younger children.
The choir is also looking for more members and is open to the public.
“We’re always looking for new members, particularly male voices,” Ross said. “I think we’re a really good group. We’re a community choir, so we’re not professional. We’re just a bunch of people who enjoy singing and have fun doing it.”
Those interested in the choir’s performances or in joining can get more information online at www.touchofclasschorale.com.
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