Oxford Civic Chorus is starting its 26th season with a welcome boost.

The choir was awarded a $4,500 project grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

The chorus also received a $1,250 grant from the Lafayette-Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow. The grants will help OCC continue to make quality choral music accessible to L-O-U and north Mississippi communities.

Do you like to sing? The first rehearsal of the fall season is Monday, Aug. 19 at Oxford University United Methodist Church and is open to anyone interested in trying the choir, with no obligation to join. You don’t have to audition or have a music background — you just need to match pitch and be willing to learn.

Members range in age from late teens to seniors, with different experience levels.

Dues cover the cost of music; scholarships and internships are available, and students can sing for free.

Amelia Craze, from Meridian, joined the choir in August 2023. Craze, who is a UM graduate student in a STEM field, sang in school and church choirs and is enjoying reconnecting with her musical roots.

“I would say that something good about Oxford Civic Chorus is the way that it connects you with all sorts of people from all different walks of life,” Craze said. “It gives you a chance to celebrate and make memories with them by joyously singing.”

Jennifer St. John, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, is a recent retiree from the U.S. Navy who sang in high school all-city and state choirs, as well as Navy command choirs. She joined the Oxford Civic Chorus in January this year.

“Everybody is just so nice and so welcoming,” St. John said. “I was new here, and they welcomed me with open arms, and I just feel like they’re family.”

Both singers say they encourage others to try singing with OCC.

“I jumped back in after not singing for eight years,” Craze said. “Everyone is so welcoming. All of the people in the chorus were very supportive. There are additional practices, and you can always listen to your buddy next to you if you get lost in a part. And it’s always all right to ask for help!”

“Someone inexperienced who wants to come sing with the choir, come on in,” St. John said. “Our directors are amazing. It’s a lot of fun!”

Oxford Civic Chorus, a 501(c)(3), has been inspiring singers, enriching the community and expanding musical horizons since 1998. The choir gathers for weekly rehearsals, performs two concerts a year, and is available to sing at local events. New members are always welcome. Join, donate or learn more at oxfordcivicchorus.org and facebook.com/OxfordCivicChorus .