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Style Magazine

Placer Pops Chorale

Mar 30, 2012 10:51AM ● By Style

Photo by Dante Fontana

There is a saying: “Life is a song. Love is the music.”

There is no better place to experience this than being enveloped in the music and song of Placer Pops Chorale. Their lush sound fills the theater and you easily lose yourself in the melody and lyrics. The diverse and interesting programs are filled with familiar classics as well as contemporary works. By scanning your fellow audience members, the power of the music is apparent – some mouth the words and tap their feet, others close their eyes as they’re swept away by the beautiful sounds.

Placer Pops Chorale is the new name for Sierra Community Chorus, and the name change has been in the works for some time. The 70-plus-member performance group wanted a name that reflected the true nature of the choir. “Our old name was not only a mouthful, but it did not represent who we really are,” explains Publicity Director Ann Sterling. “Placer Pop Chorale represents the type of music we sing and present,” explains Musical Director and Conductor Loren Miller. The chorus continues to attract great musicians to audition. It is formally offered as a club through Sierra College and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The Chorale has also been recognized by the community, which means they have attracted some very fine voices. Although the group’s membership fluctuates each semester, they remain diverse – with ages ranging from teens to long retired folks from nearly every walk of life. Their common ground, however, is a passion for singing. “Making music with other music lovers is a great feeling,” Sterling admits.

Another change is they are now a not-for-profit organization, so in addition to ticket sales, they will now rely on the support of the community and local businesses for sponsorships. Next month, they are presenting American Tapestry at both the Dietrich Theater at Sierra College in Rocklin and at Three Stages in Folsom. The program will bring Rogers and Hammerstein, Gershwin, and other loved composers to life for some very special matinee and evening performances. At each performance the group is accompanied by not only singers, but a dozen instrumentalists as well. It’s an ensemble that ensures an unforgettable musical experience.

This July, many of the members will travel to Ireland to be part of the prestigious American Celebration of Music, where they will perform works from some of our nation’s favorite composers at centuries-old cathedrals in three Emerald Isle cities. “It will be classic American music at its best,” Sterling says. The Chorale will perform with other musical organizations from the U.S. to help spread the special sound of American music.

Miller, also an internationally-known soloist and voice teacher at Rocklin’s William Jessup University, is proud of the group, as the Chorale continues to attract better and better musicians. “One of the greatest joys of my life,” Miller shares, “is working with a group of people to make beautiful music; it is a privilege.”


Visit sierrachorus.org for more details.