The Peak to Peak Chorale is a community choir, open to anyone who likes to sing without audition. If you have sung with them in the past, they’d love to have you sing again. They will make parts available for members for home practice.

The Peak to Peak Chorale resumes rehearsals for the Spring 2023 session, starting March 1. The group meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Gilpin Library.

Members will be singing some of the music from January 2020, the session that was cut short by Covid, as well as new numbers. There is no script, but each song has a short verbal introduction, giving the flavor of the piece and using characters from Gilpin County’s heyday of 1850-1890, emphasizing the theme CHANGES.

There are five sessions in March, four in April and one or two in May. If snow happens on Wednesdays, which it seems to be doing this February, they cancel rehearsal with email notification by 6 p.m. Because of this shortened session, the group will be learning fewer songs. They will end rehearsal by 8:30 p.m., for the most part.

Two performances are planned for early May, at Golden Gate Grange and CCCIA.

The Peak to Peak Chorale was born in the fall of 1993, when a group of nine interested singers in the Gilpin County area gathered for their first rehearsal. By the time of the first performance there were 25 members! John Magee was the director for the first few years, during which the Chorale gained musical experience, singing a mix of classical and repertory tunes for their winter and spring concerts.

Ann Wyss became director a few years later and inspired a turn to producing original, historically based spring performances that told of the history and colorful characters of “Gregory Country,” ranging from stories of the first hanging in Central City to the homesteaders of Golden Gate to the amazing Gilpin County submarine.

Many of these tales were written by Cora Jean Leenheer, whose family were original members of the Chorale (in the early years, 5 Leenheers were members). The Chorale is now directed by Jane Wyss, with Ann’s assistance.

Covid: we ask for vaccinated only members (this recommendation from Alisa Witt, Gilpin Health). It will be your choice about wearing a mask. The group will not be opening doors or windows when it is cold. Please stay home if you are sick.

Looking forward to music and singing! For additional information, contact Jane Wyss (303) 642-3834.