The Baker University community choir consists of approximately 60 members, half of whom are Baker students. They are passionate not only about the music but also about the people surrounding them.

“I joined community choir because it was a great opportunity to meet my new community especially being a freshman this year,” freshman Liz Minson said. “I just love how the community of Baldwin and the students of Baker come together and work to make such a beautiful sound.”

Cathy Crispino, interim director of choral ensembles, said the students and adults in the choir combine their experience and passion to create a “great organization.”

“There’s a wonderful core of adults in the community chorus who have a lot of choral experience and a real passion,” she said.

Crispino directs the choir, a combination of Baker students and faculty, along with Baldwin community members, as well. This is her first year to direct the program since its founding in 2010.

There were no auditions to be a part of the choir and no experience was needed; however, non-Baker students were required to pay a $20 participation fee.

“My expectations for this year are to become a better singer and to get to know my community better,” Minson said.

The community choir, in combination with Johnson County chorus will premiere Kansas Composer Mark Hayes’ “Requiem” on April 4 at the Masterworks Concert.

“I feel it’s going to be a fabulous concert. Many do not realize how much work goes into a requiem,” freshman Taylor McDowell said. “(Crispino) is really excited about starting on the music, and the work as a whole is extremely beautiful.”

Hayes has visited Baker’s campus before and will attend some rehearsals before his requiem (a Mass for the dead) is performed in Rice Auditorium.

“I think it’s going to be beautiful and very festive,” Crispino said. “The concert will last about an hour and will be really full of beautiful music.”

The second performance of the year, Spring Sing, will be on May 2 at Baldwin First United Methodist Church.