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BIG ARTS Community Chorus to host spring concert

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PHOTO PROVIDED BIG ARTS Chorus

Music is in the air as the BIG ARTS Community Chorus gears up for its annual spring concert on March 14-15 at Schein Hall, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

Made up of members from Southwest Florida, the chorus will perform a diverse line up of classic mainstays and contemporary favorites. It does not require auditions and is open to everyone.

One member, Fred Nordstrom, retired to Sanibel in 1988 and joined the chorus shortly after.

“My wife, Marjorie, a music teacher and performer, was the second director for the BIG ARTS chorus from 1993 to 1995 so I sang in the chorus,” he said.

Nordstrom, who was a 38-year veteran of the agricultural industry, began singing at young age.

“I was raised on an Iowa farm and attended a country school where the teacher had us sing a lot,” he said.

Nordstrom sang in church and for the University of Iowa Chorus, where he received a number one rating in the state for solo singing.

“I really enjoy singing and especially being involved in community activities. In my opinion, singing a message is selling that message to the audience,” he said. “When they smile, you know you have made a sale.”

For Charlene Gulbrandsen, the chorus offers her a place to continue to make music.

“As a non-audition chorus the BIG ARTS Community Chorus is fast becoming a most musically dedicated group of performers. Whether it be dancing, acting, narrating, composing, directing, instrumental or singing,” she said.

The chorus has become like an extended family for Gulbrandsen, a former church choir director who moved to Sanibel in 2013, and others.

“Each season I am saddened when our spring (final concert) concludes as I look forward to fall and reuniting with the choristers,” she said.

For 12-year veterans John and Judy Pryor, it offers a way to share their passion of music.

“There are lots of talented singers and really interesting people who love to sing,” they said. “There is a joy in singing with this group. One of our songs this year is ‘How can I keep from singing? That’s how we all feel. And of course, we have a terrific director.”

Tickets to the spring concert are $12 for adults and free for students and children.

They can be purchased at the BIG ARTS box office, ay 239-395-0900 and at BIGARTS.org.

For more information about the chorus, contact info@bigarts.org.