ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — As the Arundel Singers prepare to mark their remarkable 50th anniversary, the volunteer choir is actively seeking new members to join its ranks.
Founded in 1976 as part of the bicentennial celebrations, the choir has been a staple of music in the county, delighting audiences far and wide. At one point, the ensemble boasted over 80 members and in 1999, had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Unfortunately, the choir has experienced a decline in membership over the years, a situation exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many long-standing members either relocated or sadly passed away, yet the group has maintained its commitment to performance annually.
Arundel Singers Volunteer Choir Seeks New Members Ahead of 50th Anniversary Season
Arundel Singers seek new members for 50th anniversary season
Ronald Thomas, the president of the Arundel Singers, emphasized the choir’s dedication to combining enjoyment with a high standard of music. He commented, “It’s been just a casual, fun group. I mean, we don’t play games, but we get very serious with the music because we really want to present a quality performance and not just stand up and sing like third graders.”
Having been a part of the group since 1977, Thomas is joined by Director Sharon Igoe Von Behren, who has contributed her talents since 1988. Igoe Von Behren noted the emotional journey of the choir, stating, “We grieve, we mourn, we grieve, and we get back to the music.”
Currently, the choir is on the lookout for new voices to bolster its numbers. Kelly Shumaker, a recent addition, shared that joining the group has been an enriching experience. “I’ve done a lot musically, but I have never done anything with my voice. I’ve always been like a shower singer, singing in the car, and it turns out that I actually have pipes,” Shumaker expressed.
Despite being new and still learning about the choir’s history, Shumaker appreciates the camaraderie that comes from singing together. “When you’re with a group and you’re singing, especially, you form bonds and friendships,” he said.
Even with the inclusion of Shumaker, the choir currently consists of just over a dozen members. Igoe Von Behren mentioned that increasing the number of singers would enhance their musical capabilities. “We would love to have more people join us. It’s just better with more — more is better always — more voices, more music that we are able to do when we have enough voices to cover parts and do things like that,” she stated.
Rehearsals for the upcoming season are set to commence on Monday, August 17, with the choir’s first concerts scheduled for December. Interested newcomers are encouraged to join before the start of the season, with a deadline of Labor Day for sign-ups.
Shumaker emphasized the importance of the effort required, conveying, “You can find a reason not to do a thing. Doing the thing is harder, and it’s so much more worthwhile.”
If you are interested in becoming a part of the Arundel Singers Choir, please reach out to the Director, Sharon Igoe Von Behren, via email at slshore195562@gmail.com or call 443-799-5387.
This story has been covered by an on-air journalist and adapted for digital format with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team ensures that all reporting across platforms is fact-checked for fairness and accuracy.
