— By Matt Golec

Lebanon and Hanover, NH 3/19/24

Practice was well underway for Upper Valley Music Center’s Community Chorus, but nobody was singing.

The two dozen adults were working on “Seventy-Six Trombones,” a jaunty show tune from The Music Man. Choral director Annie Arrington wanted more energy, so she had members gathered that Wednesday night in Lebanon High School’s music room ‘sing’ the song using only body movements.

People swung their arms and marched in place, giving physical expression to the music without singing a note. Later during practice, Arrington would have the chorus speak the lyrics of a different song before singing them. It’s all part of Arrington’s process to help everyone, regardless of their experience level, understand the parts of the songs so the chorus can better sing them as a whole.

“I'm a big believer in music for everyone,” Arrington said. “Inside of our body is literally a musical instrument… Anyone can sing if they can speak. So I love to help people who maybe think they could never sing or maybe always wanted to.”

The Upper Valley is rich with choral groups, giving veteran and newbie singers alike a variety of options for coming together to make music. The hardest step for many people? Getting over their fear of singing in front of others.

Arrington can sympathize. While she loved singing as a young child, she became self-conscious as she grew older. “I think it is kind of innate in us that we want to sing, but we're afraid often because of our culture,” Arrington said.

Through her musical studies, Arrington came to understand that fear can create tension in the neck, making it hard for people to sing well. So Arrington runs engaging and joyful chorus groups, helping members relax as they learn the mechanics of singing.

“I want anybody who comes to have a great time,” she said.

The Community Chorus is open to everyone, and there are no tryouts. The cost is $75 per semester, though tuition assistance is available.

Annie Arrington leads a practice session of the Upper Valley Music Center’s Community Chorus at Lebanon High School. George Whiteside (left) and Marie Alvin (right, in blue shirt) are among the chorus members. Matt Golec photo.

The chorus has two groups — one in Lebanon, and the other in Thetford — that join forces once per month for a full practice. Their next performance is on May 18, as part of Upper Valley Music Center’s Sing & Play Festival.

George Whiteside of White River Junction joined the chorus a few months ago. He likes how the chorus brings people together and makes practicing in a group feel more like fun than work.

“Singing with people is very peaceful,” he said.

Whiteside admits to being nervous when he began, but since everyone starts out that way, the group is kind and supportive to new members.

Whiteside’s advice to those considering joining a chorus? “Just try it. It’s worth it.”

That night, Whiteside had brought two newcomers to practice, both of them women. Visitors are welcome to sit in on practice.

“Next time, bring some men!” another chorus member, Marie Alvin, jokingly shouted to Whiteside. For every man practicing that night, there were about five women.

“There’s never enough bass or baritone,” Alvin explained.