EXCITED ABOUT PARTNERING together to launch The Salvation Army Community Mass Choir is Sgt. Ruthie Forgey, left, choir director Roxanne Varlack Corbett, right, and Roxanne’s daughter Jayli.
The Salvation Army Community Mass Choir has become a reality with great buzz and a sense of excitement surrounding it.
The new vocal group is open to anyone who loves to sing songs that uplift the soul and glorify God. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the choir — no matter the level of experience or musical capabilities. The first practice will be Aug. 11 at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Child care will be provided.
This has been the dream of Sgt. Ruthie Forgey, administrator for the Salvation Army’s Cleveland Corps, and has finally happened. With Roxanne Varlack Corbett’s musical ability and hard work, the debut of The Salvation Army Community Mass Choir will be Oct. 1, with a concert at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy. Anyone who likes to sing or play an instrument is welcome to join the choral group.
The primary goals of the group are to bring joy through the power of music, share God’s love through song and bring encouragement to those who may be struggling. There will be several venues during the year in which the group will be featured.
“The beauty of combined voices in this choir reflects the hope we feel and the uniqueness of our city that has been through so much,” said coordinator Corbett. “This choir will sing from the heart and we are excited to share this blended sound with our community. Together we can celebrate how far we have come since the tragic tornado storms.”
According to Corbett, when Forgey mentioned her dream of a community choir, she pictured a bouquet of flowers made up of all different colors and types of flowers, but all equally beautiful.
“The Salvation Army is all about working together and supporting others. The Community Mass Choir will be a great venue to give thanks and express appreciation to those who have served so beautifully,” Corbett said. “Music can be a great way to communicate a message of hope, which often cannot be spoken with words.”
“I can’t wait to see how awesome God ministers to our community through The Salvation Army Community Mass Choir,” Forgey said. “With Roxanne’s destined leadership, it will rock! I appreciate her for being such an inspiration and to everyone who is serving to make the choir a blessing.”
For more information, follow The Salvation Army, Community Choir Group on Facebook or call community relations director Melissa Snyder at 308-3467.
