March 3, 2005 at 9:06 a.m.
Community choir returns to Chisago Lakes area
Community choir returns to Chisago Lakes area
No, this isn’t a psychic reading about the future or a generic horoscope – it’s an adult choir that promises a fun, eclectic mix of music and variety show at each one of its performances.
The adult mixed choir was formed in 1985, as a few of the original members were sitting at a local coffee shop talking about the need for such a group in the Chisago Lakes area.
John Chouinard was one of those original members. “We really saw a need to do some singing and there wasn’t anything like this here,” he said.
He enlisted former Chisago Lakes High School choral director Jim Iverson and soon the idea had become reality.
The choir soon started practicing under the name of Chisago Lakes Community Chorus and performed its first concert in June 1986.
Before the performance, Iverson said the group needed a better name. “He told us all to bring an idea to the next rehearsal,” Chouinard said.
The 20 members brought their ideas and Unexpected Company was the one that stuck.
The group continued to perform in the area through spring of 1998. That fall, the choir moved to Forest Lake. Chouinard said he was no longer a member at the time, so he’s not sure why the choir was moved.
The name of the group was first changed to the Masquers Singers, as part of the Masquers Theatre group in Forest Lake. The association was short lived and by 2001 the choir was part of adult programming offered through Forest Lake Community Education.
Dave Seaburg came on board to direct the group in 2002 and is now moving the choir back to its original location – Chisago Lakes.
Chouinard said it is going to be nice to have the group back in the area, especially for those members who maybe left the group when it moved to Forest Lake. It’s also a way to honor the memory of one of its charter members, Jim Iverson, who died in a car accident a few years ago.
Chouinard said the group is more than simply an adult choir. “We aren’t just a bunch of people up on risers who sing all night,” he said.
Along with collective pieces, the choir also performs numerous ensemble and solo pieces during its concerts, as well as adding performances by other musicians and a little choreography to make the performances light, fun and entertaining.
Last winter, the group donned Victorian garb and went caroling in the area to places like downtown Lindstrom and Parmly.
In addition to three yearly concerts, the group is frequently invited to sing at other venues, such as the Forest Lake Concerts in the Park series, grand openings and events at local churches.
Fellow choral member Gina Lindholm said the music is always an eclectic mix.
“We do everything – variety, jazz, classical, pop, show tunes, southern gospel, Disney tunes,” she said. “So there’s really something for everybody.”
The group is currently practicing for its May program, which will include a German and a Norwegian tune among the songs.
Lindholm said it is a nice group of singers with a range of vocal talents. “We have music teachers and professionals and people who just enjoy singing,” she said.
The group is currently comprised of about 30 members, but Lindholm and Chouinard said they are always looking for more members. They hope the move back to Chisago Lakes will bring in some new members, or even some of the charter members.
“It is meant to be a lot of fun for the performers and the audience,” Chouinard said.
The choir typically begins rehearsals in the fall and ends the year with a May concert. Occasionally they are asked to perform during summer events, but performances during the off-season depend on how many choir members are available and willing to perform.
Unexpected Company is directed by Dave Seaburg and accompanied by Julie Lauritzen. The duo also worked extensively to provide music for Chisago Lake High School’s recent musical, Bye Bye Birdie.
Participation in the choir is offered through Chisago Lakes Community Education adult programs. Cost to join is $35 for the year.
The choir will begin practicing Tuesday, March 15 in the CLHS choir room, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The spring performance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24 at the high school.
For more information on joining, call Chouinard, (651) 462-2780 or Lindholm, (651) 982-4879. More information on Unexpected Company is at the group’s Web site:
www.unexpectedcompanysingers.org.
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