THE SALVATION ARMY Community Mass Choir, shown during a recent practice session, will present its first public concert Saturday evening at Peerless Road Church. The concert, “A Night of Hope,” is a celebration of the community’s progress following the tragic tornadoes of April 27. The Choir’s arrangements Saturday will include songs of faith, healing and freedom. There will also be a short video with comments from community leaders about the ongoing recovery effort following the tragedy.
“A Night of Hope” will be a celebration of progress the community has made since the tragic April 27 tornadoes that swept through the community. It will also be a salute to those who have been so helpful serving in the healing and restoration phase following the tragedy.
State Sen. Mike Bell will be a guest speaker at the event. Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland and Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis are also scheduled to attend, along with city and county officials.
The Salvation Army is producing a five-minute video of local dignitaries commenting about what happened in the community and what they witnessed following the tornadoes.
The musical arrangements will include songs of faith, healing and freedom, sung by people of all backgrounds, ages and church affiliations.
Anyone is welcome to be a part of the choir — no matter the level of experience or musical capabilities. Current plans are for the choir to sing at community events throughout the year.
The choir director and concert coordinator is Roxanne Corbett. She has chosen songs she believes will speak to the people of Cleveland and Bradley County.
“Music can be a great way to communicate a message of hope, which often cannot be spoken with words,” Corbett said.
“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,” she added. “This choir will sing from the heart, and we are excited to share this blended sound with our community. At the concert, we can celebrate how far we have come since the tragedy.”
According to Sgt. Ruthie Forgey, The Salvation Army Community Mass Choir is a new ministry to offer hope for listeners as well as for those using their voices to deliver messages of faith.
“This first concert is a way to give thanks and express appreciation to those who have served so beautifully and have been a shield alongside us,” Forgey said.
The community is invited to attend the musical celebration. Special guests attending will include community leaders, elected officials and officers of The Salvation Army.
For more information on the concert or information about joining the choir, you can call Melissa Snyder at 310-6156, or follow The Salvation Army Community Mass Choir at facebook.com/tsacleveland.
