Port Townsend Children’s Library Choir director Phina Pipia invites local youths aged 7 to 12 to join the group, which starts Jan. 8 and runs through March 2. “It is an absolute joy to bring this opportunity to local youth,” said Pipia, who sang with the choir as a youngster and is thrilled to be its current director. “Music was a truly integral part of my childhood, and I’m delighted to give back to the community through this wonderful program.” The choir will meet once a week to sing favorite songs, from folk and classical to rock, pop and baroque. The Children’s Library Choir is a fun, free music program for local youngsters, a news release stated. “Not only are children able to learn rhythm, rhyme and vocabulary through the playful nature of music, they are also able to build empathy with the emotional hook that music often provides,” said Hilary Verheggen, youth services librarian. “The Port Townsend Library is excited to once again host such a fantastic program.” The choir will meet for eight consecutive Tuesdays, culminating in a public performance on March 2. Participants will discover a wide range of music by artists such as Harry Nilsson and Georges Bizet, and sing popular tunes by Jonathan Richman, Miriam Makeba, Bobby Darin and Meghan Trainor. There are still a few spaces left for young singers; no prior experience is necessary. The Port Townsend Children’s Library Choir was founded and led for more than 10 years by children’s librarian Dahti Blanchard, and revived in 2015 by Pipia, who said it has always served as an indispensable arts resource, giving kids the opportunity to make music in a supportive group setting, explore diverse musical genres,and perform annual concerts shared with the community. Pipia is the director of the local theater company Generation Goat Rocket, which produces intensive theater workshops for Port Townsend youth. Pipia original musical plays have been performed nationally and internationally. An eight-week commitment is required for participation. To secure a child’s spot, parents can visit the Port Townsend Public Library website, click on the Calendar tab, click on the choir event on Jan. 8, and click Register. For more information, call 360-385-3181.