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Have you been thinking about all the things you have to do this summer?  Do you wish you could go back to a simpler time, when life moved at a slower pace?

For at least one day, you can do that at a free all-day shape note singing.  Join us on June 10th in Maquoketa, Iowa, at the Salvation Army Citadel, next to Horseshoe Pond Park on S. Main, where we'll be singing between 10 and 3:30 (with a free and bountiful lunch provided).

This style of singing in 4-part harmony was very popular in Colonial and pioneer America.  Back then, people sang together as a regular part of their daily lives.  Today's singers keep that tradition alive by welcoming everyone who wants to sing hymns and patriotic songs, no matter whether they can read music or sing well.

Shape note singing gets its name from the way the music is written, as the note "heads" are printed in various shapes.  If you can read traditional music, you can read shape note music.  And if you can't read music, the other singers will carry you along until you figure out what's going on.

The singing is loud and passionate, the folks are friendly, and you are more than welcome to join in the singing.  Admission is free, and books are provided for use.  For more information about shape note singing in general, visit www.fasola.org.  For more information about the Maquoketa  River All-Day Singing, contact Annie Grieshop at 563-926-2353 or 563-920-4568.  We hope to see you there!

For more information about shape note singing in general, visit the Fasola website.

Davenport, IA - On Tuesday, May 23rd at 6:45 PM, the Davenport Area SoundReach Choir, a community choir for adults with developmental disabilities, will hold its Spring Concert at All Saints Lutheran Church (5002 Jersey Ridge Road; Davenport, IA).

SoundReach highlights the talents and successes of area teens and adults with special needs through song and dance. Sponsored by West Music Company, SoundReach meets weekly to rehearse a variety of songs popular throughout the ages. From oldies to Green Day, this choir sings it all. The choir performs in front of a packed house of family and friends in the sanctuary of All Saints Lutheran Church at the end of several months of rehearsal. A unique experience is always promised to those who attend, and hardly a dry eye will remain at the end of the concert, as these individuals do what many people have told them they can't do.

The choir is co-directed by Emilia Martin, MT-BC and Lorna Johnson, MT-BC, both music therapists for West Music Company. The directors work with the choir to create a successful experience for each member. Whether members can sing perfectly on pitch, dance to the music, or simply play an adaptive instrument, there's room for everyone in SoundReach.

Admission is free!

West Music Company Contact: Emilia Martin or Lorna Johnson (563) 388-1519 All Saints Lutheran Church Contact: Al Reagan (563) 332-9870

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