Each year, local singers of all ages gather together to participate in a community-wide sing-a-long event held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

This year will mark the sixth annual sing-a-long event, which will include a performance of G.F. Handel’s “Messiah,”  taking place at the Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Modesto.

“It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season,” said event organizer Denise Nordell. “Singers come throughout the region to sing with us. Whether you’ve sung ‘Messiah’ once or a hundred times, or just enjoyed listening to it from the audience or on your CD player, the ‘Messiah’ sing-a-long gives vocalists at all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy the experience of sharing this beautiful music together.”

The community-wide event is free and open to the public, inviting vocalists of all ages and abilities to participate.

Aside from a dozen well-known choruses, the assembly will also be given the opportunity to gear up their confidence and sing some of the solos.

“If you’ve always secretly wanted to sing a solo part in the ‘Messiah,’ this is your chance,” said Dr. Ginger Covert Colla, who will conduct the performance once again. As the conductor, Colla has also selected several traditional solos to be sung by the chorus, including “Comfort Ye,” “He shall Feed His Flock,” and “Come unto Him.”

Accompanying on the organ and trumpet will be Grace Brummel and Robert Stone respectively, with soloists Linda Carter, Jennifer Champeaux, Bruce Merchant and Richard Colla.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to bring their own scores of the piece, however, copies will be available to borrow.

To learn more about the annual sing-a-long event, call 765-6388.