Music drives chorus

The Bonita Springs Chorus doesn't have a commanding presence.

During rehearsals, members take off their shoes, sit comfortably and chitchat in between sets.

But don't let their relaxed practice fool you.

Its members are older citizens looking to share their love of singing with the community — no matter what.

"I love to sing. I love the chorus," said Alleane Shivel, 94, of Bonita Springs. She is the oldest person in the 30-member chorus.

The group performs in costumes to give them an "official look."

"We dress up and look very presidential in our cream gowns," said Joby Stracka, the president of the business side of the chorus. "The music is what drives us. We are a community chorus and we like to share with everyone," she said.

The fact that the chorus is for the community means that they can be invited to perform just about anywhere.

During last year's Christmas season, they performed at several locations, including Riverside Park, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and for the Bonita Springs Lions Club. They are currently looking to fill their spring concert series.

"We need to plan concerts because we were booked up for the holidays but now we have spots open," said Stracka, who joined the chorus five years ago and was elected president after attending three rehearsals.

Having a full schedule of performances during the spring helps the chorus put their rehearsal skills to use and helps them recruit members.

"It's all done by word of mouth sometimes," said Beverly Robertson, the director. "We have members from all over and the more we get the better."

Robertson makes it a point to tell every new member that the chorus is not affiliated with any church or religion.

"We are open to everyone. People just think of a chorus as part of a church ... that's what a choir is," Robertson said, adding that the chorus practices at the First United Methodist Church of Bonita Springs because its founder was a member. "We don't sing at church on Sundays. We are for the community."

The group performs four or five part harmonies, including show tunes, some gospel and patriotic songs.

Hiring the chorus is free but any donations are welcome to help pay for the updated items the chorus needs, such as songbooks, outfits and a keyboard.

"We have some items from when the chorus started 30 years ago. It's time for a change and we are working on it," Stracka said.

The chorus also spends time away from rehearsals going out to lunch and gathering at different locations once a month.

"We try to have fun socializing too and we go to lunch for fun," said Stracka, adding that transportation isn't provided to shows or lunches. "We are friends too and that's the best of being in the chorus."