A chorus of voices transcends from the south suburban suburbs, creating a unique and uplifting experience for those aged “50 and better.” The 5280+ Senior Chorales (Chorales) invite participants to join in the joy of singing, fostering camaraderie and shared passion for music. Chorales mission is to “provide significant and measurable health and wellness benefits of choral singing to mature adults,” according to its website.

To join requires a 10-week training program scheduled in the spring and fall at one of the three Chorales locations: Highlands Ranch, Littleton and Parker.

In this edition, we are shining a spotlight on three remarkable members residing in the 80108 community.

Rohn Goldstein: A seasoned local realtor, Rohn has called Castle Pines home for 25 years. Alongside his wife, Evette, he shares a family legacy with grown daughters and grandkids spanning across Aurora and Southern California.

Ronda Dobek: True to her Colorado roots, Ronda resides in the Terrain in Castle Rock with her husband Joe, celebrating 45 years together. With daughters and granddaughters living nearby, Ronda embodies the spirit of community and family.

Susan Smith: Susan left Colorado in the 1980s but returned in 2005 with her husband Bill. They reside in The Village at Castle Pines. Her joy lies in spending quality time with family, including their three children and six delightful grandchildren.

These individuals bring their voices to enrich Chorales and their connection to the community resonates through their music.

Rohn, who has dedicated seven years to the Highlands Ranch Chorale, shared, “You go from singing to everyone becoming your friend. It’s a great way to meet people.”

He attested to the group’s social aspect, organizing extracurricular activities such as Friday lunch meetups and festive gatherings and parties for holidays.

Ronda, a chorale member  since last September, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the singing opportunities and friendships that have been developed.

During a recent Chorale open house, Susan, who also joined in the fall, described the experience as both “enjoyable” and “uplifting.”

As the Chorales prepared for holiday performances, members reminisced about their favorite moments. Ronda fondly recalled a performance of Hoagy Carmichael, while Rohn remembered renditions of classics by Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. The Chorales offer accessible musical experiences, accommodating seasoned singers, those returning after years away from the stage and those with no chorale experience at all.

The Chorales’ repertoire spans a range of genres, from Queen to traditional favorites, providing a dynamic musical journey. Brian Leatherman, artistic director, conductor and co-founder of Corales, along with accompanist, executive director, and co-founder Cindy Runkel, and the artistic team of Chris Guarantee, conductor, and Bonnie Hackett, accompanist, ensure accessibility through online tutorials and rehearsal recordings, fostering a supportive learning environment for all participants.

In addition to their regular rehearsals, Chorales extend their musical outreach to the community, performing at local retirement centers and even Tagawa Gardens.

We celebrate the diverse stories and voices of remarkable members like Rohn, Ronda, and Susan. Their harmonious connection to both the 80108 residents and the Chorales reflect the broader spirit of camaraderie and shared joy that defines our connected community.  Learn more and watch videos of recent performances at www.5280Chorales.org.

Article and photo by Nicole Stark