The following was submitted by the Orcas Choral Society.

Ask an adult what kind of music teens are interested in and choral presentations of Bach’s work would not be high on the list. But here on Orcas Island there are young people who are passionate about choir and Bach and devote hours to these interests. Rachel Brewer is one of them. Brewer, pictured right, has been singing with the Orcas Choral Society for two years now and remains enthusiastic about the group.

“My family and I moved to Orcas Island the summer before my freshman year in high school,” she said. “When I arrived, I was disappointed to learn that there is no choir program offered at the school. I spent my freshman year scoping out some of the adult singing groups on the island and decided to join OCS my sophomore year.”

It is not just the singing that Rachel values about the group.

“OCS is a great learning opportunity for me.  Roger Sherman, our conductor, is extremely knowledgeable and provides us with the historical background and interesting facts for each piece we sing.  Each time I attend a rehearsal I learn something new,” she said. “Another huge factor that makes OCS worth my time is the wonderful group of individuals who I sing with.  The other singers are always fun, kind, supportive and helpful.

“While music has been a part of Brewer’s life since she started studying piano in elementary school, the experience of singing in a group has been a valuable addition to her years of individual instruction.  As she puts it, “As a solo musician, you are focused on what you are doing and the music you are making, but in a choir you have to listen to what everyone else is doing in order to create a blend of sound.  Once the choir music finally comes together and becomes a polished piece, the reward and sense of accomplishment are huge.  Getting 50 different voices singing five vocal parts to create a single musical work is beautiful art.”

Brewer has sung with youth groups and performed in school musicals. But singing with an adult group offers opportunities not usually found in school organizations. For Brewer, it is the “opportunity to sing with a full professional orchestra. It is great to watch all of the other instruments and meet professional instrumentalists from around the county.”

Listening to Rachel express her gratitude for what OCS brings to her life is a joy to the other singers, because they value her contributions.