Sing out for justice in PT

A local chapter of Justice Choir is being formed in Port Townsend. Singers of all ages and skills are welcome. “We envision our community coming together to learn selected songs so that lots of us have common songs to sing whenever and wherever we want to raise our collective voice,” stated choir organizers.

The Port Townsend group is one of the first local chapters nationwide. Programming and messages are to focus on local issues and urgency of current events, and the group would be trained to respond “pop up” style to issues in their local communities: singing at marches, rallies, houses of worship, community concerts or anywhere a marginalized sector is needing a bigger voice.

The chapter’s first rehearsal is 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22 in the sanctuary of Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2333 San Juan Ave.

The rehearsal is led by Rebecca Rottsolk, Leslie Lewis, Helen Lauritzen and Laurence Cole, along with other local talent. Admission is free. Music is provided. Instrumentalists are also welcome to join in the fun.

The purpose of Justice Choir is to come together to inspire strength, unity and policy change in situations that demand social and environmental justice, and to amplify that message peacefully, on the local and national levels, through singing, according to a press release. The national movement of singing for change was founded by three Midwestern composers-conductors who were inspired following the national Women’s March in January 2017. To learn more, visit justicechoir.org.

Sequim City Band seeks members

The all-volunteer Sequim City Band is recruiting new members. All musicians with high school–level experience are invited to join the band, which is under the direction of Tyler Benedict.

Rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the James Center for the Performing Arts in north Carrie Blake Park, 350 N. Blake Ave., Sequim.

The band performs five concerts throughout the summer, from May to September, at the outdoor stage at the James Center. Three indoor concerts are scheduled, with the November 2017 concert to take place at the Port Angeles High School auditorium, and the December and March concerts at the Sequim High School auditorium.

To join rehearsals, email scb@sequimcityband.org or leave a message at 360-207-4722.

Compiled by Leader staff writer Katie Kowalski