The Lapeer County Concert Choir
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The Lapeer County Concert Choir has been performing since 1968, known for its performances of large sacred works such as Bach's "Magnificat", Handel's "Messiah", Rutter's "Requiem", and Mozart's "Regina Coeli".
As the choir moves toward its 52nd year, the goal remains to promote the advancement of choral music, and reveal the healing power of voices united in song.
If you wish to join us, we rehearse on Monday nights in Lapeer at the Trinity Methodist Church.
Our Mission Statement
"Providing quality choral experiences and educational opportunities to the community since 1968”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How do I join the Choir? - Winter concert rehearsals begin in Sept, spring concert rehearsals in Feb. Simply come to one of the first rehearsals, receive your music, and sign up. All that is required is a desire to sing.
- Do I have to audition? - No. An audition is not required, however, our director will check your voice for vocal placement.
- Where do you rehearse? - The choir currently uses the sanctuary at the Trinity United Methodist Church on north Main St. (M-24) in Lapeer.
. - How much does it cost? - A $25 membership fee is collected for rental of the music for each season. There are two seasons, winter and spring.
- Do I have to sing in both seasons? - We would love to have all singers for both seasons, but you do not have to do both.
- Do I have to know how to read music to be in the choir? - The majority of our members do read music, however, we have had successful members who do not. This would be a personal call according to your experience and comfort level.
- Do I get to keep the music? - No. All music is held in the LCCC library for future use.
- Is there an age requirement/limit for the choir? - All singers 18 and older are welcome.
- Why kind of music does the choir perform? - LCCC prides itself on having a well rounded repertoire including classical, sacred, secular, pop, Broadway show tunes, folk, etc. Our director is responsible for choosing the music.
- How many performances does the group do during the year? - We have four concerts a year, two in Dec. and two in May. We also participate in one or two other community events
- Where does the choir perform? - We typically perform in churches in Lapeer County and the surrounding areas. On occasion, we rent larger venues.
A Short History of our Choir
In 1968 Jerry Pakkala approached Imlay City area ministers with his idea of combining church choirs to form a community choir. As a result, the Imlay City Community Choir was born. A graduate from Oakland University with a Master’s in choral conducting, Jerry directed the choir for 32 of its 52 years. The ensemble became known for its sacred performances, including Bach’s “Magnificat,” Handel’s “Messiah,” Rutter’s “Requiem,” and Mozart’s “Regina Coeli.”
In 1997 the choir changed its name to the Lapeer County Concert Choir. Seven different directors have worked with the choir over the years. Each has been successful in expanding the choir’s repertoire and challenging the choir to grow in technique, style, and performance. Those concerts included Randall Thompson’s “Testament of Freedom,” Saint-Saens’ “Christmas Oratorio,” and Joseph Haydn’s “Spring” from “The Seasons.”
Maestro Garth Starr, who directed for six years beginning in 2010, opened doors that allowed the choir to sing with the Flint Festival of Choirs hosted by the Carolyn Mawby Chorale. 2016 marked the choir’s fourth invitation to perform at the festival.
Dr. Edward Howell began his work with the choir in the fall of 2016. His interest in American music and quality choral literature from the past and present continues to challenge the choir and enhance its tradition of choral excellence. He debuted Aaron Copland’s “In the Beginning” in 2017, followed by “A Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britten and “Gospel Mass” by Robert Ray.
Two December and two spring concerts are usually followed by a summer concert on the Historic Court House lawn in Lapeer. With Spring of 2020 completing the choir’s 52nd season, the goal remains; promoting the advancement of choral music in the community, and presenting quality concerts that appeal to audiences of all ages.