By Marci Seither
COLFAX, CA — When Alta resident Janine Dexter looks into faces of Colla Voce choir members she sees more than medical professionals, teachers, wine makers and stay-at-home moms. She sees people who are passionate about music.
“It is more than just singing – It is about giving something back to the world we live in,” said Dexter, who has had a full career in music and is now close to achieving a master’s degree in choral directing from California State University, Los Angeles.
Colla Voce of the Sierra de-rives its name from the Italian phrase “follow the voice.” The nonprofit organization rehearses weekly in Meadow Vista for the professional-quality pieces that are performed at local venues, often to sold-out audiences.
“It takes about 30 minutes of rehearsal time for every one minute of performance,” Dexter said. “For a concert that is one and a half hours long … well, do the math. It is a commitment.”
“We were not looking for professional singers, but good singers who had the capability and passion to grow into a group who could perform at professional level group,” Dexter said.
Larry Dorety, of Auburn, is one of the board members who has sung with Colla Voce since the group’s establishment and is excited to see the new developments.
“When we first started out, our goal was to be one of the best choral groups in the foothills,” said the baritone. “Now, we want to share it with the community all year long and be a platform to help inspire others.”Under the counsel of board president Dr. Jim McGregor to “do one thing at a time and do it well, then add something new,” the group drew up a goal and mission statement that included expanding its program considerably.
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