It’s time to add harmony to your life, enhance your memory and make new friends – all at the same time. Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus (VHWC) is a group of fun-loving, energetic and dedicated women of various ages and backgrounds who have one thing in common: the love of singing and bringing enjoyment to others with their music. They have the bonus of enjoying the camaraderie of other singers, be they first or second sopranos or altos. They are referred to as “the Friendliest Group in Town” for good reason and are looking for new members.    

If this sounds good, consider joining VHWC. The time is right and the opportunity is here. The annual Summer Fun Sing will take place Monday, July 31 at 9 a.m. at the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta.    Though not associated with the church, the chorus uses its choir room, piano and storage space for their music. Refreshments will be served. No auditions are required.  Just come and sing and decide if this is right for you.

VHWC began in the 1950s as part of the PTA Mothersingers. Founder Betty McGaughey was the group’s director until her retirement in 1999. It was at that time that Sharon Schlarb took over the baton and she has been conducting the chorus ever since. Schlarb selects a wide variety of songs for the chorus to rehearse and perform, from Broadway tunes to jazz, from rock and roll to country western and somewhere in between. Rehearsals are held Monday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., September to June (with some exceptions for holidays) at the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church. Performances usually begin in late November and continue through December. Then it is time to learn different music in preparation for performances in March through May.

VHWC performs for residents of retirement homes and assisted living homes and also for civic groups, clubs and organizations in and around the foothill communities.

VHWC now numbers 35 and there is always room for more singers. The chorus is one of the original members of the 10 choruses comprising California Women’s Chorus, Inc. (CWC), a non-profit organization boasting almost 300 members statewide. Scholarships are presented to three outstanding students at the annual CWC state concert.

RSVP to Sharon Schlarb by calling (626) 376-5383 and a packet of  music will be available for you that day.

Written and submitted by Arlene MASSIMINO