SisterSound History

From a few determined visionaries dedicated to bringing together women united by their love of music, has emerged SisterSound. In January of 1996, after many fledgling attempts to form a Lexington women’s chorus, Connie McNeely, Mona Abbott, Patti Owens, and others renewed their efforts to make such a vision a reality. Nancy Ward, then music director for Park United Methodist Church, agreed to direct and guide the chorus provisionally for one year. With this firm commitment, calls went out to friends, co-workers, classmates, and relatives… and on a cold Sunday evening in January, nearly 20 women gathered in the church basement for the first ever Lexington Women’s Chorus rehearsal.

After several weeks, the chorus made arrangements for its inaugural public performance. Musical selections were chosen, and rehearsals continued in earnest, culminating in a free concert at the church in May of 1996. Encouraged by the enthusiastic reception of the audience, the chorus continued to grow and develop musically. After a brief summer hiatus, rehearsals resumed in August of 1996. New members were invited to join; no auditions or previous choral experience was required. By year’s end, this musically and culturally diverse group of singers, now renamed SisterSound, eagerly awaited new challenges for 1997 and beyond.

Now some 30-plus members strong, SisterSound has expanded its repertoire to meet its growing audience. The director of the chorus is John Roark. With the change in venue to Singletary Center for the Fine Arts, SisterSound has become more accessible to the surrounding community. The inclusion of guest performers such as Spirit Drummers, Reel World String Band, Wishing Chair, and Margie Adam, SisterSound has broadened its cultural appeal. Currently, two major concert performances are given each year emphasizing diversity in musical style and composition. SisterSound continues to explore new avenues in music and community participation.