by Kelly Babcock

The Choir That Rocks Owen Sound, founded in 2013, is starting into it's third year of creating fun for its members and providing entertainment for the community while raising funds for charitable purposes.
The choir boasts a nurturing atmosphere that is intolerant only of intolerance. People of all musical abilities are welcome and songs are learned by ear so no ability to read music is required.
"I wanted to prove to folks that community music is something really special, and to prove to them that they could have fun, have a supportive atmosphere and really learn how to sing for fun." Choir Director Tara MacKenzie told the Hub. "When I see the choir standing before me, I see folks who have done something really brave, while having an incredible amount of fun."
"Members have told me that Sunday nights have gotten them through grieving the loss of a loved one, job, hardship and loneliness. Its given many a reason to go out every week and laugh with others in their community. As a result of coming together every week, new friendships are built and business relationships forged." MacKenzie added. "It's helped many of our hard working population do something fun for themselves, something which adults are chronically struggling with."
MacKenzie also talked about the Youth Choir that learns separately from the Adult Choir but performs with them, "I see them learning music, and singing together." She feels that's important, "Our Public school music funding has radically changed over the last few decades, and I want to be the person to stand in the gap for our young people and make sure they have access to make music with each other, something I feel is a critical part of human creativity and development."
The adult choir meets Sunday nights from 7-9 and the youth choir meets Thursday nights 5:45pm-7:30pm. These two choirs ready themselves to do "[...] concerts, community projects and general music mayhem around the Grey Bruce Area."
Online registration is available now at the choir's web site, and "in person" registration will be happening on Thursday, September 10th from 5:30PM to 8:00PM at the Harmony Centre, 890 4th Ave East, Owen Sound.
For more information contact Tara MacKenzie 519-477-1190