Choirs have, for many a century, brought people together to celebrate the harmony (and dissonance) that voices, elevated together, conjure. Through thoughtful direction and sincere participation, widely varied skill levels can complement each other, and be blended smoothly, along vocal range and tone.

For people living in Southern Oregon, joining a choir can be even more than the musical experience, but lend itself to a community focused on peace building. The Rogue Valley Peace Choir announced this week that, after a lengthy break due to COVID restrictions, the group will reconvene for their 20th season this year.

The group invites people to attend a potluck and learn more about the choir September 1 at the Cotton Memorial area of Lithia Park in Ashland September 1, and then gather at the First United Methodist Church for a rehearsal and registration event a week later, on September 8.

On that perfect day on August 6, 2022, when our community gathered in the solemn recognition of those who died during the atomic blasts in Japan and planted a seedling tree of hope, Rogue Valley Peace Choir performed songs in English and Japanese. Several people joined their ranks and sang along, including Hideko Tamura Snider, long time Peace Choir member. Jerry Campbell, their esteemed director, orchestrated a seamless transition within the water ceremony portion of the event and members who had traveled to Hiroshima in 2006 could be seen crying in their authentic grief.

Research indicates that joining a choir not only strengthens a feeling of togetherness, it also regulates one’s heart rate, reduces stress levels and depression, improves symptoms of certain chronic illnesses, and may even help you live longer. With the Peace Choir, there’s more than just that, but a dedication to spread messages of peaceful resolutions to wars, and less violence for everyone, by lifting voices together.