Come share the joy and harmonies of Living Room Choir’s and Grace Notes’ Fall Session, 2024!
Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/Community-Sing-Dec-7
Saturday, December 7, 4-6pm
Doors open at 3:30
Snacks and fellowship 6ish-7:30pm
Suggested $10-25 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds.
This non-audition choir is open to all ages.
Address: Grace Lutheran Church community room
15 Santa Fe Avenue El Cerrito, CA 94530
1 Mile from El Cerrito Plaza BART
Free street parking (since there is no handicap spaces, please let us know if you need us to reserve a spot in front of the church.)
The church is wheelchair accessible.
Living Room Choir is an all ages, non-audition choir going into its 10th year. It was founded in Berkeley and is now hosted by Grace Lutheran Church at the El Cerrito/Kensington border. Every week we get together and sing by oral tradition, and those who want to work more quickly on more complex pieces sometimes also join our annex group, Grace Notes.
At a Community Sing, choir members, family, friends, and general public are gathered together to revisit some of our favorite songs from the previous choir session. There will be some light teaching so that you can join in on the songs, or feel free to just listen and enjoy. All ages are welcome. You do not need any singing experience or musical knowledge to join in; everything is taught by oral tradition.
In such a pressure cooker of a time we’re living in, we find that singing together is a restorative, healing birthright to return to – one that allows us to process and grieve and also practice joy and playfulness together. It is nourishing for us as individuals, and also for our hurting culture.
Living Room Choir and Grace Notes are led by Kaitie Ty Warren and Sara Stutz, and both are part of the international Ubuntu Choirs Network.
FAQs
What if I can’t sing?
You’ve come to the right choir. You don’t need any musical experience to join us (and truly, we don’t believe you can’t sing – but maybe you haven’t felt that singing was yours to have yet.) Just practice listening as you sing with us, and over time your vocal skills will begin to grow in community.
Can I just listen?
Of course.
How can I join the choir?
Newcomers are always welcome. There are orientations at the beginning of the Fall Session (usually early September) and the Spring Session (usually early February) and it’s optimal to join a session then. But you can also do one-day drop-ins with us, especially in the Summer or during winter break.
What’s the parking like?
Grace Lutheran is in a residential neighborhood with plenty of free street parking. There is no parking lot. It’s 1 mile from El Cerrito Plaza BART. If you need special parking arrangements like a spot reserved in front for mobility reasons, let us know at least 24 hours in advance.
What’s the mobility accessibility/seating like?
The church is wheelchair accessible. Chairs and cushions available. If you need special arrangements just email us at least 24 hours beforehand so we can help make sure you’re welcomed in the space!
Can kids come?
Absolutely. We’ll even have a few toys out for the littles who might want something to play with.
What should I bring/avoid bringing?
Please don’t wear fragrances as some choir members are sensitive. We encourage you to bring water to keep your vocal chords hydrated. Snacks and food will be in the community rooms and you are welcome to bring a finger food snack to share. We ask that you put your phones on silent during the singing.
Is there any COVID safety protocol?
Our guidelines shift with the times, but you can expect open windows (dress warmly), rapid-tested LRC members, & masks offered at the door, but not required. We can offer Zoom upon request if you wish to attend remotely. Please be conscientious: attend with health in your system and mask up if you aren’t certain about your exposures. thelivingroomchoir.com/bas-covid-safety-guidelines does a good job of outlining how we operate at the moment.