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The Lake Land College Community Choir will begin its 20th season this fall with rehearsals starting on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

 The choir is a group of approximately 50 mixed voices including students, college employees and members of the community. All singers age 18 and older are welcome to participate. No audition is required. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 7-9:30 p.m. in the Luther Student Center Theater.

 Choir members may earn one hour of college credit for singing in the choir. Interested singers can complete a registration form at the first rehearsal or register online. Registration for college credit is not required, however, and participation in the choir is free for those who do not register.

 Nancy Caldwell, music instructor at Lake Land College and director of the choir, said, “making music develops a person’s cognitive skills. I recently heard a TED talk by neuroscientist Dr. Anita Collins, and her research demonstrates that ‘playing music is the brain’s equivalent of a full-body workout… Playing an instrument [or singing] engages practically every area of the brain at once.’ Dr. Collins also noted that regularly practicing musical skills is like exercise for your body; you gain strength and flexibility in your brain. So singing in a choir is fun, but it is also a way to build up your brain!”

 Caldwell continued, “This fall season is special because the choir is celebrating its twentieth year in existence. I am hoping that some of the singers who have participated in the past will come back and help to recognize this anniversary.”

 The fall season will culminate in a concert on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. in the Theater. A tribute to autumn and the harvest opens the program. The second set of music is a fun compilation related to “The Wizard of Oz,” with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the musical as well as songs from “The Wiz” and “Wicked.”

 Christmas songs around the theme of Mary in the manger will follow, including “Mary Had a Baby,” “Breath of Heaven” and “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy.” The concert will close with a musical setting of the Christmas classic, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” with poetry by Clement Clarke Moore and music by Ken Darby, arranged by Harry Simeone.

 Contact Caldwell at 217-234-5464 with any questions.