Southern A’Chord: new musical journey

As the echoes of my former chorus, Piney Hills Harmony, fade into cherished memories, I find myself stepping into a new chapter – a fresh melody, if you will.

Southern A’Chord, my new women’s community chorus, based in Ruston, is eager to share our music and remind the region of the joy that only a cappella harmony can bring.

We’re inviting all women who love to sing – whether you’re seasoned or just discovering your voice – to join us for a special Welcome Night at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 N. Bonner. This is your chance to meet like-minded women, experience the magic of four-part a cappella harmony, and see if our sisterhood might be a place for you.

What we hope you’ll find is that Southern A’Chord is more than just a chorus. We consider it a singing sisterhood, an oasis of music, camaraderie and joy. We sing in four parts – lead, tenor, baritone, and bass – combining the full range of voices to create the unique sound of a cappella music. Our logo, featuring a treble and bass clef intertwined, reflects this unity, this harmony – a visual reminder that music bridges gaps and brings people together.

We are proud to be our own 501(c)(3) organization, with 13 members hailing from several parishes. Some drive an hour just to be part of this special group.

Our directors bring decades of musical experience, guiding us with skill and heart. At our core, we’re educators, ready to help every voice find its place, whether you’ve sung in choirs all your life or are just starting out. No need to read music (although if you do, that’s great). We provide vocal tracks and plenty of support to help everyone learn her part.

And you don’t have to be a soloist. Most of us aren’t. We come together not to showcase individual talent but to blend our voices into a singular, resonant chord that rings with the kind of beauty that’s hard to put into words. It’s a sound that can send chills down your spine if we hit the notes exactly on target – a perfect, unified overtone that feels like heaven reverberating in the air.

My mother was an alto a cappella singer. Rocky Branch folks, many of you remember her – Dolores Hollis – longtime principal of the Rocky Branch School and a solid, beautiful alto voice in the Rocky Branch Church of Christ. That love of singing continues through me; it’s in my blood.

Now, after more than 35 years of singing in a woman’s a cappella chorus, it’s more than a hobby. It’s a lifeline, a gift from God that I treasure deeply. Every rehearsal, every performance is a reminder of how powerful music can be, not just to those who sing but to those who hear.

So, ladies, if you’re looking for a place to let your voice soar, to connect with others who share a love of harmony, come join us. Southern A’Chord isn’t just about singing. It’s about finding joy in each note, each chord and each moment shared with others. We can’t wait to meet you, hear your voice and welcome you into our circle of song.

And just think, if you join, you can be part of our performances in the future – performances that we hope bring smiles to local events, uplift spirits at community gatherings, and remind audiences of the simple joy of music. Again, it’s more than just singing. It’s contributing to something larger, sharing a gift that can brighten someone’s day and create connections that linger long after the final note.