History
James D. Kiser founded VOICE to use a musical concert as a way to raise funds for another local organization. Our debut performances were held in May 2008. Those performances included 17 singers, featured the music of Broadway, and raised $1,400 for a local Relay for Life walking team.
During 2009 and 2010, VOICE performed three benefit concerts in May, September, and December. During the 2010 season, a leadership team was established to assist the director. In 2011, live accompaniment was added to our concerts by way of a seven-piece combo band, which included many members of local cover band Everyday People. Also in 2011, VOICE scaled back to two major benefit concert seasons annually, in June and December, but added a second performance to each concert, creating a two-day concert series.
In 2012, a second ensemble was added: The Sunday Singers. This ensemble provided music to local area churches upon request, a need that had been present since 2008. VOICE members had the opportunity to participate in either ensemble, or in both.
The Sunday Singers averaged 14-20 singers per service and performed in coed harmonies ranging from three to six parts. The group disbanded in 2016 with the caveat to reorganize if the need resurfaced.
VOICE officially obtained 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 2014, creating many more possibilities for growth, outreach, and fundraising.In March 2020, VOICE suspended all activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We continued to share community with singers through online rehearsals and moved to outdoor gatherings when safe. However, we remained on in-person hiatus until it was safe to resume singing together in January 2022. We were thrilled to be able to hold a mask-free concert in June 2022.
Every season, VOICE looks forward to seeing new singers and performers, stretching our musicality, supporting new organizations, and most importantly, doing good work right here in our community.