PORT TOWNSEND — Beginning Tuesday, children from 7 to 12 can gather each week at the Port Townsend Public Library to sing favorite songs from folk and classical to rock, pop and baroque and eventually give a public performance.
The Children’s Library Choir is a free music program directed by Phina Pipia at the library at 1220 Lawrence St.
“Not only are children able to learn rhythm, rhyme, and vocabulary through the playful nature of music, they are also able to build empathy with the emotional hook that music often provides,” said youth services librarian Hilary Verheggen.
“The Port Townsend Library is excited to once again host such a fantastic program.”
The choir will meet for eight consecutive Tuesdays, culminating in a public performance on March 2.
Participants will be exposed to a wide range of music by artists as diverse as Harry Nilsson and Georges Bizet, and sing songs by Jonathan Richman, Miriam Makeba, Bobby Darin and Megan Trainor.
A few spaces are left for young singers. No prior experience is necessary. An eight-week commitment is required for participation.
The Port Townsend Children’s Library Choir was founded and led for over 10 years by children’s librarian Dahti Blanchard.
It was revived in 2015 by Phina Pipia.
Pipia sang with the choir as a youngster and said she is thrilled to be its current director.
“It is an absolute joy to bring this opportunity to local youth,” she said.
“Music was a truly integral part of my childhood, and I’m delighted to give back to the community through this wonderful program.”
Pipia is the director of a local theater company Generation Goat Rocket, which produces theater intensives for Port Townsend youth.
She teaches musical theater classes at The Chameleon Theater, performs with the duo The Pipia Sisters, plays tuba with Unexpected Brass Band, and her original musical plays have been performed both nationally and internationally.
From first-time singers to dedicated musicians, youngsters are encouraged to take part in this choral experience.
To secure a child’s spot, parents can visit ptpubliclibrary.org, click on the calendar tab, click on the choir event on Jan. 8, and hit “register.”
For information, call 360-385-3181.
