About the Choir
Western Sky Choir is a brand new pop choir in Bend, OR for self identified women and non-binary individuals who want to sing. This choir welcomes singers of all levels and no prior choral, musical or music reading experience is needed.
Music is taught through call-and-response and both sheet music and practice tracks are provided to help singers learn the songs.
The choir will rehearse toward a concert, but the primary goals are to have fun, learn more about singing, make friends, and build community.
About the Director
Hello! I'm Ashley Bontje, and I'm so excited for the second season of Western Sky Choir. I grew up on Long Island and as an adult, lived in various parts of the Pacific Northwest. I have sung in choirs for most of my life, including school, church, a cappella, barbershop, classical and pop choirs. While living in Canada, I founded and directed Peninsula Ladies Choir (now Island Song) in Victoria, BC, and directed Joyful Voice Community Choir in Vancouver, BC.
I studied music composition and love arranging songs for choirs. I continue to arrange for choirs I used to sing with, including Seattle Ladies Choir, The Choirs YYJ, and Island Song.
This choir will be about having fun and singing songs we enjoy and love. Singing can be scary, but I work hard to build a supportive environment where you will feel comfortable exploring your voice and learning more about singing. If you are new to singing, this is a great place for you.
Please reach out with any questions, and I hope to see you at a rehearsal!
Contact: westernskychoir@gmail.com
About the Accompanist
I’m Morgan Hansen, and I’m excited to be the piano accompanist for Western Sky Choir. I’ve lived in Bend for a decade after bouncing around the West in the years before.
My musical education began as soon as I could sit at the bench of my family’s piano (especially under the guidance of my grandfather, who was a marvelous pianist and pop organist). I took lessons from primary school through college and spent several years as a piano teacher. I’ve sung in a community choir or two, but the piano always pulls me back to the bench.
My full-time jobs now are as a coparent of three kids and as a pharmaceutical research scientist. Whenever I get a chance to play, I love working on centuries-old classical pieces, classical crossover music, and duets with musical friends.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this supportive, inclusive, and fun musical community. See you soon at rehearsal!
