COEUR d'ALENE - The Coeur d'Alene Chorus, a local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is offering a free, no-strings-attached performance opportunity for local women who love to sing.

Beginning Oct. 20, women are invited to rehearse with the chorus Monday nights from 7-8:30 at the Assembly of God Church, located at 2200 N. Seventh St. in Coeur d'Alene. Guests will learn four Christmas songs in four-part a cappella harmony to perform with the group Dec. 8 in the annual Christmas program.

Members have traditionally dressed in Victorian garb for the event, but this year will appear dressed as Santa's elves and will gladly help guests gather and assemble their own costumes. Any woman who loves to sing and dress up is encouraged to try a taste of barbershop harmony with the chorus.

"I decided to visit a Monday night rehearsal and check it out," said Sweet Adeline singer Kay Raffelson. "I enjoyed the evening so much that I decided to participate in the Christmas program. I fell in love with the barbershop harmony, however, I was concerned about my ability to keep up with the group because I don't read music. Then I was given rehearsal CDs to practice with at home, along with the sheet music, great leadership and support from everyone."

"Of course the costumes are a lot of fun, and the little girl in me still likes the dress-up aspect, but what impressed me the most was the help and support I received from everyone - I had so much fun singing with a group again," Raffelson continued. "I decided to participate in the Christmas performance because I only had to memorize a few songs and there was only one performance. I knew I could handle that; no pressure and the 'girls' were so supportive. Everyone made me feel so welcome and so special during the rehearsals and performance. I did not give it a second thought when I was invited to return in January to try out the Sweet Adeline experience.

"I became a member and now have fun times with special new friends on Monday evenings, singing great harmony and challenging myself. I did it - and I'm sure glad I did!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed becoming reacquainted with the joy of singing," said returning Sweet Adeline member Debbie Edmiston. "The Coeur d'Alene Chorus provides a great opportunity to 'try on' Sweet Adelines by participating in the annual Christmas show. Women can have a blast for a couple of months learning music with the chorus, and then dress up in costumes to perform Christmas music for friends and family. Best of all, we get to spend time with other women enjoying a hobby that is healthy for the body and provides food for the soul. Whether it's just for Christmas, or it becomes the beginning of years of enjoyment, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to sing."

Info: www.cdachorus.com or call Randee Johnson at 667-6242