"When I first walked in and met the Bowie Senior Chorale, I was told, 'Half of us don't read music.'  'Many of us haven't sung before.' 'Most of us don't have any vocal training.'  

What I saw was a group of people who were there because they enjoyed singing.  They just needed to believe in themselves.  (Don't we all!) 

Today, I am happy to say, we are the Bowie Senior CHORALE! Half our members still don't read music.  Most aren't trained singers.  For many, this is their first choral experience.  Two things have changed.  First, we believe this to be a truly remarkable choir, constantly discovering what we are capable of.  Second, we are inspired and passionate about singing! 

I fully believe that this is the best choir in the world.  We may sing some wrong notes, mess up some words, or flub up in some other, unimaginable way, but we have also created some truly astounding music together by drawing from the powerful life experiences of the group.  We tap into our laughter, our sorrow, our introspection, our joy, and our love to make our music an expression of our lives.  Our rehearsals are a light-hearted joy, full of laughter and camaraderie.  I also make sure we work really hard.

My intention and vision for the Bowie Senior Chorale is:

• To create an honest and passionate expression of who we are as a group. 

• To have that expression be fulfilled in the music we create together.

• To grow in our laughter and love.

• To leave each rehearsal with an inspiration that we can take into our world.

Give of all that you are, and let us discover the greatness we can create."

Paula Sparks, accompanist for the Bowie Senior Chorale, began her official “Accompany-mom” career with the children’s’ choir at church when Craig was in 2nd grade.  As she followed his interests in music and acting, she accompanied community theatre performances, Elementary Chorus and Show Choir at Thomas Pullen Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School, instrumental and vocal student soloists, and choirs in her church.  For 18 years she served as accompanist for The New Dimension Singers.  

Paula joined the Chorale in 2004 to help out at the beginning of their 2nd semester, insisting she was only “temporary” until they found an accompanist.  The rest, as they say, is history!  Although music has always been part of her life, she’s never considered herself to be a performer and prefers the supportive role of accompanist.  One of the greatest joys in her life has been the opportunity to work with and learn from Craig, and she is honored to serve the Bowie Senior Chorale.