Like the ebb and flow of ocean waves, the Cumberland Choral Arts has seen varied levels of membership over the years. This year has seen a tsunami of interest and activity. As the group prepares for its newest performance, “Water Works,” membership and participation are at an all-time high, according to Cumberland Choral Arts President Sandy Cage, following this season’s registration night.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, the group dwindled to about 30 members.
“We came back, and it was a slow build,” Cage explained.
Previously, the group had between 60 and 80 members, and recently, it reached the 100-member mark. Cumberland Choral Arts was unsure what to expect and unsure where the registration numbers would fall this season, especially with a change in directors. The hope was to see around 85 registrants.
“The first night we were like, whoa, we’re out of music, and so we ordered more music, and then people still kept coming, and it was like, okay, we have to order more music,” She explained. “That was a really good problem.”
In part, younger singers comprise the wave of new participants, including high school seniors and first-year college students, according to Cage.
“We love having them join us,” Cage said.
The upcoming “Water Works” performance is an opportunity for the ever-expanding Cumberland Choral Arts to showcase their new talent and a new artistic director, Major Curtis Kinzey. Kinzey, who served as the U.S. Army Forces Command Staff Bands Officer before joining the Cumberland Choral Arts, served as the commander of the 1st Cavalry Division Band. Between 2011 and 2016, Kinzey directed the United States Army Chorus. He has led performances for five U.S. presidents and has conducted nationally televised performances. In addition to his storied career in the armed services, Kinzey holds a master’s degree in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance.
“We’re excited for our first concert with Curt as director. I know he’s looking forward to that,” said Cage.
“Water Works,” led by Kinzey, will feature a flowing lineup of music inspired by water. The musical selections slated for this event include folk songs, pop songs, and spirituals, all sharing a water-focused theme, featuring “Wade in the Water,” “Down to the River to Pray,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” among others.
Cage is most looking forward to learning and performing “I Dream of Rain.”
“The first time I heard it, I just thought it was so pretty,” Cage said.
Cage’s earworm from the performance catalogue is “Wellermen.”
“Monday night we rehearsed one for the first time, and it’s a sea shanty, the ‘Wellermen’, we have had such fun singing that one,” she said. “And it was in my head all night long when I tried to sleep, but it was a fun one. We all enjoy singing that one.”
The group does have a core membership, one of whom has been there for 30 years. While the group advertises through their web page and social media accounts, Cage says it’s word of mouth that keeps them growing in numbers.
“I think the best form [of advertisement] is by word of mouth. Just people that sing have friends and know people and invite them, people that come to our concerts, and we always say, ‘Would you like to sing with us?’ I give them the information for that, and the high school choral teachers have done a great job this year of identifying students and encouraging them to come join us,” Cage said.
The Cumberland Choral Arts, as an organization, has community-focused goals. They intend to bring enjoyment and art to the people of Fayetteville.
“You just need the arts in your life to bring joy, and music can do that, whether it is choral, or symphony, or whatever, because it just makes you smile, or it goes through your head all night long when you’re going to sleep, or it brings back memories,” Cage said.
But Cumberland Choral Arts also focuses on expanding the musical horizons of the local youth.
“One of our goals is also to be an advocate for getting younger people involved in music,” Cage said.
One of the ways the Cumberland Choral Arts accomplishes this is through its sponsorship of the Campbellton Youth Chorus, which offers students in grades 4 through 10 free participation. The youth group also sings before the Cumberland Choral Arts “Messiah” concert at Methodist University.
“We underwrote that so parents can have their kids be part of a choral group and have the opportunity to sing for the public, sing with a larger group, and sing with an orchestra,” Cage said.
The Campbellton Youth Chorus will also be participating in the upcoming “Water Works” performance with the Cumberland Choral Arts.
This performance season, the Fayetteville community has ample opportunities to take in a Cumberland Choral Arts performance.
“This is probably our most aggressive calendar that we have ever had,” Cage explained.
The group will present six performances to the community. The preparation for these events is extensive and involves multiple rehearsals. As a community chorus, the group works with a wide range of skill sets, and a significant amount of work is done both in rehearsals as a group and at home by the singers as individuals. Rehearsals for “Water Works” began in August, and it typically takes at least eight weeks to prepare for each performance.
“We have a wide range of abilities, from the very casual singer to the people who are professional singers … It’s important to us that everybody is included to have the opportunity to sing,” Cage said.
“Water Works” will be performed on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Haymount United Methodist Church’s Life Center, located at 1700 Fort Bragg Road. Tickets are available on the Cumberland Choral Arts webpage, https://secure.givelively.org/event/cumberland-choral-arts/water-works, and are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Those interested can find information about the Cumberland Choral Arts’ upcoming season, as well as a bio for the new director, at https://www.cumberlandchoralarts.org. 

(Photos: Above-Cumberland Choral Arts members pose for a photograph in July. The group has seen a surge in membership over the last few months, something members are very excited about. Photo courtesy of Cumberland Choral Arts Facebook page. Below-Major Curtis Kinzey directs a practice for the Cumberland Choral Arts. Kinzey is the new director of the community choir. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cage)