Sandberg is no stranger to the choral world. In 2004 he founded the Fairborn Community Choir, and prior to that he coached orchestra and choir at the Idyllwild School of Music and Arts, which is associated with University of Southern California.
He said that his goal in starting this particular choir was to promote Christian values through music.
“I felt that Christian standards and family values have taken a hit in recent years and communities are weaker for it — just at a time when ethics may be hotly challenged by the political choices facing us. I want Christians to circle the wagons and rally around something, and the best focal point I can personally offer is choral singing,” said Sandberg.
The choir is currently comprised of members of the Fairborn Community Choir and two local church choirs, but Sandberg is looking to attract more singers.
“We are very keen for tenors and basses, but we also need sopranos and altos. Singers, bring your voices. Aspiring accompanists bring your fingers, and aspiring conductors, bring your batons,” Sandberg said.
There is currently no audition process, but Sandberg said that more skilled they are the more challenging pieces they can perform.
He said that their repertoire will be based on sacred classical music, rehearsed and performed with classical choral technique.
“At present we have no plans to add gospel music or country music,” Sandberg said, explaining that due to a lack of a budget for buying music, the pieces they choose will be in the public domain, including classics by Brahms or Handel and unpublished original arrangements of classics.
In addition to more ambitious recitals, the choir will be performing short programs relatively frequently, Sandberg said. Churches can invite them to sing for their services or special musical events, he said. It is his hope to also be invited to participate in any appropriate community-sponsored event.
“We are soliciting invitations to perform with the understanding that the ACIC does not charge for performances. There is no cost to hosting churches, which may take collections or charge admission for their events as they choose,” he said.
The choir currently rehearses on Sundays from 7-8:30 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3080 Bell Drive, Fairborn. However, Sandberg said that when they begin to perform for other churches he hopes to have rehearsals in the buildings they are performing in.
Sandberg asks that those who wish to participate should contact him prior to the rehearsal so that he can have a folder ready for them.
Those interested in joining the choir or who simply want more information can call 937-344-3347 or email acic.dayton@gmail.com.
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