Our 2021-22 season is now complete.
Thank you for your patience and support as we navigated the challenges of the pandemic and returned to the concert stage. We performed our "Good Vibrations" concerts to two sold-out houses on May 15 and 16, 2022. Not only did we have a lot of fun singing all those 60s tunes, but the audience obviously enjoyed it as well. Many sang along with us, often clapping in rhythm with us. And we owe a special thanks to the Little Theatre of Walla Walla for loaning us many costumes from their extensive inventory.
For some great photos of the concert, go to the PHOTO GALLERY page and scroll down to the "Good Vibrations" photos. Clicking on a thumbnail photo will bring up a full-size photo. Enjoy!
Many thanks to Shane Prudente for being our official photographer.
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Walla Walla Choral Society seeks new Artistic Director
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — The Board of the Walla Walla Choral Societyis seeking a new Artistic Director to succeed Jenelle Westerbeck, who will depart in July to begin a teaching position in Maine.
Anyone who would like application materials or additional details about the position should contact Chuck Templeton, WWCS Secretary/Treasurer, at (509) 520-4874 or templeton@whitman.edu. The Board also invites members of the community to suggest potential candidates for Artistic Director. Anyone wishing to recommend a candidate should contact Chuck Templeton.
Applications for the part-time position will be accepted through July 8, and the Board will identify and interview the top candidates shortly thereafter. The Board expects to make a final selection by July 20, with the new Artistic Director hired by Aug. 1. Preparation will begin in September for the group's next show, “Our Songs of Joy,” which will kick off the holiday season on Nov. 27 and 28, 2022, at the Gesa Power House Theatre.
"We have updated the job description and defined selection criteria; now we just need to get the word out to find the right fit for us,” explained Bob Schumacher, WWCS Board President. “As the title implies, the Artistic Director will do more than just lead rehearsals and concerts. The AD will bring creativity and experience to help us cultivate a choral repertoire within varied styles of music to appeal to the wide range of interests of our community and singers. More than a director, we seek a leader who can help us execute our strategic plan, which includes the creation of a new Children’s Chorus as part of our desire to expand the quality and reach of choral music throughout the Walla Walla Valley.”
About the Walla Walla Choral Society
The Walla Walla Choral Society has delivered the gift of song to our community for more than 117 years. In late 2019, the Society’s Board completed a new strategic plan that included the creation of a new Children’s Chorus and plans to build enhanced collaborations and mutual support throughout our performing arts community.
However, as with many other organizations and businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic postponed and canceled in-person rehearsals and concerts during most of 2020 and 2021. However, WWCS was finally able to perform its 1960s concert, “Good Vibrations,” in May 2022, at two sold-out performances.
Despite losing planned revenue from ticket sales and concert sponsorships, the Choral Society has been fortunate to receive continued financial support from businesses, grants, and individuals.
“We are truly grateful and humbled by the generosity of our community, especially from our member singers and many businesses that continued or increased their financial support as we had to postpone and cancel performances,” Schumacher said. “We are confident that we will find a wonderful new Artistic Director and to continue and grow as “keepers of the song” in the Walla Walla Valley.”
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The next opportunity to sing in the chorus will be in September when we begin rehearsals for "Our Songs of Joy", our holiday season concert. Singer registration for that concert will begin in September. We will welcome new and returning singers at that time. However, in the meantime, we welcome anyone to become a member of Walla Walla Choral Society. Watch this website for information on possible summer singing opportunities and other activities of the Society.
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The roots of the Walla Walla Choral Society were planted in 1905. Since then, hundreds of singers have shared the gift of song with our community. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic we were not able to rehearse in person and had to cancel and reschedule our concerts. However, we are now "back in business". The WWCS Board of Directors and our Artistic Director continue to monitor CDC and Walla Walla County guidelines, making sure our singers and audiences remain safe.
"Good Vibrations" was our only income-producing concert during this concert season. We have also had to deal with limited ability to reach donors during the pandemic, so we hope you will consider a gift to help “keep the song alive” in the Walla Walla Valley.
Donations by check can be sent to Walla Walla Choral Society, P.O. Box 2367, Walla Walla, WA 99362; or by credit card by clicking the "Donate to Choral Society" button below.
We sincerely appreciate your generosity.
