Celebrity City Chorus prepares for international competition

Dozens of singers from the Celebrity City Chorus stood on stepped platforms in the community hall of the Community Lutheran Church all laughs until choir director Jim Halvorson called them to action.

At his cue, their united voices rose in a strong, resonant, "Ooooooooo," holding and modulating the note in response to his hand gestures. As the tone continued, Halvorson snapped out encouragement, constructive criticism and instructions.

"Take the weight out of it," he said. "Let the expansion happen naturally. Don't shift. Let it stay consistent. Listen for that bell-like quality. Yes, that one stays high on the pitch. That's the one we want. That's it."

It was a Tuesday, the group's regular rehearsal night, but this wasn't a regular rehearsal. The all-female chorus is gearing up to compete in the International Sweet Adelines Convention and Competition Oct. 17-23 in Houston.

"We compete in regional competitions every two years for the right to compete in the international competition," Halvorson said. "When we make it in the regionals, we have a year and a half to prepare for the international."

The competition brings in vocalists from around the world, with 35 groups competing from as far away as New Zealand, Sweden, England and Japan.

"We sing barbershop four-part harmony," said Elena Johnston, a Celebrity City Chorus board member. "We sing all kinds of songs, including some rock 'n' roll. We sing 'Viva Las Vegas' and 'Fame' and some nontraditional songs."

As an example of a nontraditional song, Johnston cited "Boys Dance."

"It doesn't really have any words," she said. "It's very melodic. We sing it in four-part harmony, all a cappella, of course."

When chorus members aren't practicing for competition, they often can be found at events around town performing as a chorus or in smaller groups. They're even willing to rent members to perform personalized concerts via singing telegram.

Before the chorus heads to Houston, members plan to put on a free dress rehearsal concert at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Community Lutheran Church, 3720 E. Tropicana Ave. The show is open to the public.

"We're very excited about it all," Johnston said. "It's going to be a great show, and we're looking forward to getting a chance to show our community what we do."

For more information, visit celebritycitychorus.com.

Contact Sunrise/Whitney View reporter F. Andrew Taylor at ataylor@viewnews.com or 380-4532.