Local residents Dale Massender and Laurie Merritt are planning to create a festival choir to perform at local community events such as the West Lincoln Christmas tree lighting, Remembrance Day service, PoultryFest and the community Christmas music program.

Massender, a Smithville resident for 15 years, said he continues to be amazed at the musical talent found within the small, rural community.

"I have often felt that much of our community's musical talent is not utilized to its fullest potential," he said. "There are too many of us left to 'our morning shower' to express our natural gift and love of musical expression."

For the last number of years, he has been dreaming of heading up a local community choir in Smithville.

Recently, he shared his dream with Laurie Merritt, and realized that she shared his musical vision.

Together, the duo desired to test the will and spirit of the community, with the hope of creating a four-part soprano-alto-tenor-bass choir.

"We do not intend to have auditions," said Massender. "But we hope that you have some ability to read music or have the ability to learn your particular section quickly."

Members can come from West Lincoln, Lincoln, Grimsby or Dunnville.

Massender said he has looked into available venues for which to practice, and that initial explorations have proved to be "enthusiastic."

The type of music he and Merritt hope to present will be secular, sacred, show tunes and even Broadway selections.

A nominal fee will be required to help out with practice space rental.

Massender hopes that an organizing committee will soon be formed to look after fundraising events and administration. With a good response, he hopes the choir can be practicing by September.

"Our time together is meant to be taken seriously, putting forth a genuine focused effort, but never at the expense of laughter and a good time," explained Massender.

He views the choir as an opportunity to build community and friendship.

With time, he hopes the choir to be able to participate at regional functions such as the Winona Peach Festival, Canada Day festivities, Strawberry Festival, Grimsby Art Festival and even the Dunnville Mudcat Festival.

"It is my hope that we would assist charities and raise funds for their important community work with our participation," he said.

Massender is prepared to direct the choir, while Merritt will accompany it. All that is needed now are the singers.

If you are interested in joining the group, please call Dale at 905-957-1579 or Laurie at 905-957-0505.