It’s a milestone season for the Community Chorus of Port Townsend & East Jefferson County. The organization celebrates its 40th anniversary by singing George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” a tradition in the group's history that has been observed every five years, and the classic oratorio is to be the final program under the baton of Rebecca Rottsolk, who has directed the group for 10 years.

Singers begin the holiday season on Sunday, Sept. 13, when rehearsals begin for a pair of winter concerts taking place Nov. 29 and Dec. 6.

Registration is Sept. 13 and continues the following Sunday, Sept. 20. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m. in the parish hall at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1335 Blaine St. Enter on the Harrison Street side of the church. Singing is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Regular rehearsals continue on subsequent Sundays.

During Rottsolk’s tenure, the chorus has performed wide-ranging choral literature, from world music to works by classical masters sung with an orchestra, and many styles in between. For “Messiah,” Rottsolk conducts singers, joined by a handpicked orchestra.

She served as artistic director for the Northwest Girlchoir from 1982 until 2001, building the choir into one of the most respected youth choral organizations in the United States. Now retired, Rottsolk frequently presents workshops on girls’ voices, conducting and rehearsal techniques, inspirational teaching and techniques for maximizing performance. She enjoys a national reputation as guest conductor and clinician, conducting many all-state and regional festival choruses. She adjudicates for Heritage Festivals, Worlds of Fun Festival of Music and Fort Worden festivals, and edits a choral series for Alliance Music Publications. She is cofounder/director, with Beth Ann Bonnecroy, of Mirinesse Women’s Choir in Seattle. In recent years, she has conducted one annual program each for Port Townsend’s RainShadow Chorale and the Community Chorus.

No auditions are required to join the Community Chorus. All singers ages 16 and older are invited. Men are especially encouraged to give it a try.

For those who are choral novices or returning to music after a long absence, the chorus provides several aids for inexperienced singers to learn the notes. They include bonus rehearsals, extra practice by voice section for those who want it, digital music files to listen to at home and also a CD of the voice parts.

Chorus President Pat Hartman and the chorus board of directors encourage new and returning choir members to visit ptchorus.org, where they can preregister if they choose, as well as find music files to get a jump-start on rehearsals.

Registration cost is $35. For more information, call 385-1402 or visit ptchorus.org.