Performing songs by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Henry Mancini and others of “The Great American Songbook,” Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) nearly 80-member Redmond Community Choir takes the stage for a free concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the Redmond High School auditorium, 675 SW Rimrock Way.
“Our concert theme, ‘The Great American Songbook,’ has been a central soundtrack to my musical career, and I’m excited to share this music,” said Ken Piarulli, choir director, who describes the spring concert as carrying a message of hope and optimism. “The term refers to the canon of the most important and influential American popular songs from the early 20th century.” Accompanied by a rhythm section, the choir will perform 12 songs in all.
The Redmond Community Choir, a COCC community education class first formed under Piarulli’s guidance in 2019, rehearses at the college’s Redmond campus on Monday evenings during the school year. Piarulli, a professional jazz pianist since 1972, has directed choirs ranging from elementary children to adults. He was a recipient of the 2023 Redmond Chamber of Commerce’s community involvement award.
All experience levels are welcome to this non-auditioned ensemble — which has proved very popular; registration for the spring term filled to capacity within 24 hours. For more information, visit cocc.edu/ce.
