Find Your Voice: Empowering Women Through Song

Women from across North Louisiana are invited to take part in a free, one-day vocal workshop, "Find Your Voice: Empowering Women Through Song," set for Saturday, March 7, in Ruston. The workshop, hosted by Southern A'Chord Chorus, is made possible through a state arts grant and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, located at 212 N. Bonner St. Led by nationally recognized vocal coach Robin Curtis of Texarkana, the event will focus on healthy vocal production, ensemble singing and skill-building for women singers of varying experience levels. The day will include large-group instruction as well as smaller breakout sessions. Curtis has decades of successful vocal coaching in her background and currently teaches voice in Texarkana, where her focus is on pop and pageant preparation. She has also worked with multiple choruses and quartets that have won numerous medals in competition from regional to international levels. One of her most recent accolades is serving as education director for the national women's singing group, TRU Harmony A Cappella. "Group singing can have amazing health benefits for all ages, both physical and psychological," Curtis said. "If you can carry a tune, then you can learn new vocal skills to improve and reap those benefits." While the workshop itself is geared toward participants, the public is invited to attend the concluding portion of the day, when singers will share what they have learned during the session through a short performance. Pre-registration by Feb. 28 is encouraged, though walk-ins will be welcomed as space allows. Open to women ages 16 and older, the workshop includes lunch for all participants. To pre-register, go to bit.ly/women-sing. For more information about Southern A'Chord, interested singers are encouraged to visit the website southernachordchorus.org or the Facebook page Southern A'Chord Chorus. The women's a cappella community chorus was formed in 2024 and draws members from several parishes. "Even though Southern A'Chord is based in Ruston," said director Candice Bassett, of Grayson, "we consider the community we serve much bigger. We are hoping to reach women who are looking for a way to find their voice, gain confidence and be part of something that can empower them to do even more. Singing together bridges gaps and breaks down barriers, helping us see we are more alike than different." The workshop is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the Office of Cultural Development, and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional local funding comes from Century Next Bank, Jonesboro State Bank, Origin Bank and the CPA firm of Kenneth D. Folden & Co. in Jonesboro.