RCCA Community Choir to Launch With Focus on Joy, Language and Connection
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RCCA Community Choir to Launch With Focus on Joy, Language and Connection

Story written by Cara Cowan Watts for Cherokee 411


CLAREMORE, Okla. — The Rogers County Cherokee Association is launching a new Community Choir and is inviting singers of all experience levels to take part in an effort centered on preserving Cherokee hymns, strengthening language learning and building community.


The choir is inspired by the global Tuneless Choir movement, which emphasizes participation and joy over musical perfection. There are no auditions, solos or expectations of technical skill.


Cara Cowan Watts, correspondent for Cherokee 411 and a longtime community leader, is organizing the effort and says the goal is simple. Keep Cherokee songs alive by singing them together.


ORIGINAL RCCA CHOIR in 2009
ORIGINAL RCCA CHOIR in 2009

“I love to sing in church and just about anywhere, and I am absolutely not gifted,” Cowan Watts said. “But our Cherokee hymns are too important not to be sung in every community. They help us keep our language alive and help learners hear, feel and practice Cherokee together.”


The RCCA Community Choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing, has been told in the past to stop singing, misses a sense of connection or wants to support Cherokee language preservation. No prior experience is required.

An informational meeting and planning session will be held during the next RCCA monthly meeting.


The meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the RCCA Building, 15488 East 523 Road, Claremore, OK 74019.


RCCA will provide hot dogs and chili for attendees. Guests are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share if able. Free door prize drawings will be held throughout the meeting.


Organizers are also seeking volunteers to serve as a Choir Director and an Assistant Choir Director to help guide rehearsals and support participants.


Those interested are encouraged to attend, bring a friend and bring their voice.


The choir will organize inside the RCCA community building after the business meeting to establish a plan for practices, leadership and goals such as providing Cherokee songs for funerals and events to celebrate being Cherokee.


In addition to the choir launch, the meeting will include a cultural presentation and hands-on activity focused on the traditional Cherokee game of marbles, led by Jared Davis of Tahlequah. Children and those young at heart are also invited to participate in stickball activities at the RCCA community stickball area if Cherokee marbles are not of interest.


Sign up for notices:

Community members can sign up for email and text notices by visiting the Contact Us page at rogerscountycherokees.org and clicking the link for email and text notices. Direct sign-up options are also available.



Rogers County Cherokee Association contact information:


  • Physical address:15488 East 523 RoadClaremore, OK 74019

  • Mailing address:P.O. Box 142Claremore, OK 74018

  • Phone: (539) 777-2898Email: rogerscountygwys@gmail.com

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