Songweavers™, the a cappella women’s chorus of the Concord Community Music School, opens its 10-week fall session with Open Sings on Tuesday night, September 16, 7:30-9 pm and Wednesday morning, September 17, 9:30-11 am. Young children are welcome at the Wednesday morning session. Songweavers is open to women of all ages and musical experience. There are no auditions to join. Rehearsals take place at the Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall Street, Concord. In addition, introductory African hand drumming classes will be offered beginning Tuesday, September 16 from 6-7:15 PM. The class lasts for ten weeks and is open to men, women and teens over the age of 12. There is no charge for attendance during the first week of both groups. For more information for both Songweavers and African hand drumming, please call 603-228-1196.

Based on the belief that everyone can (and should) sing, the 120 members of this large women’s chorus learn songs by rote in the African-American tradition; music-reading skills are not a prerequisite. Songweavers rehearse in two groups (Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning) that come together for an annual spring concert. The repertoire includes music from many ethnic traditions. The singing is predominantly a cappella, although drums and other instruments are often used as accompaniment.

Carolyn Parrott, founder and director of the Music School’s Songweavers chorus, is also widely known in contra dance circles as a country dance caller and member of the award-winning Blackwater Band. Grace Schust, who teaches the African hand drumming class, leads rhythm, movement, and song workshops for building team spirit in the workplace and self-esteem among at-risk children. She is the Director/Founder of Arts Bridge the World.