Last year, I attended the first of two open rehearsals of Calliope Feminist Choir on a whim. I had been a singer in high school but fell out of practice my first few years of college, and Calliope sounded like a great way to get music back into my life.
After a low-stress audition to test my range, the director placed me in the soprano section. I was immediately welcomed by the women around me, who ranged in age from early 20s to 70s.
The enthusiasm in the room was inescapable. I knew by the end of that first rehearsal that I would be sticking around.
And I’m so glad I did: Calliope was a soul-renewing escape during my busy senior year.
It was wonderful to be surrounded by inspiring women on a regular basis, and my fellow choir members showed appreciation for my presence as well; several of them expressed their joy that there were still young women around who proudly declared themselves feminists.
I strongly encourage any woman in Athens to join Calliope, but I’m speaking particularly to my fellow young feminists.
Calliope is a great way to bridge the second and third wave gap while making beautiful music.
There will be open rehearsals on Sept. 12 and 19 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church on Mill Street.
Anyone interested in joining is asked to arrive a little early, sometime after 5:30 p.m., for a gentle audition and voice placement. Call (740) 662-2022 with any questions.
Tiana McKenna is a 2011 graduate of Ohio University.
