In 2008, Suzannah Park and her singing partner, Nathan Morrison, began WACC as a fun hometown project. It started with twelve friends singing in their living room and has since grown to around 100 singers per season. They co-led WACC through 2017, at which point Nathan moved on to other projects.
WACC programs often include songs from South Africa, the Balkans, Caucasus Georgia, and American, Gospel & Shape Note traditions.
Over the years, 500+ singers of all ages and musical abilities have found their way to WACC. As a community we create a safe and fun space to find your voice.
We sing both sacred and secular songs, and WACC has no religious affiliation.
We are open and affirming of all bodies, minds, religions and ways of moving in the world.
As a community, we are committed to carpooling, composting and reducing our environmental impact on the earth.
We celebrate life and community with shared potluck meals and give back to our community through song and actions.
Her infectious love of music and community creates a welcoming and vibrant space that is the heart of WACC.
Suzannah comes from a family of three generations of traditional singers, storytellers and dancers. She'e been touring and teaching for the past 20+ years, both in the US and abroad.
Besides singing, dancing and teaching voice, Suzannah is the program director for local non-profit, Community Roots. While wearing that hat, she leads marches, flash mob dance parties in the streets, works with local people, artists, businesses, police officers and politicians and promotes dismantling all systems of oppression and division.
Not ready to join the choir yet and looking for vocal support? Join Suzannah for private voice lessons, vocal life coaching, or small group workshops at her home studio.
“I just want to say how much I have enjoyed being a part of WACC - (why did I wait until this year?!) I have sung in many different configurations, of all sizes from duos to 150 voices, and including a rather prestigious 40 voice concert choir at Furman University, back in the day - and I can honestly say that I have learned so much from you, and rank this among my most fabulous singing experiences. You are so very professional and well trained, at singing and instructing/leading, and you also bring so much personal love and enthusiasm that greatly enhances the experience of singing in your choir. I truly look forward to many years of singing with you! Thanks again for making life better through song.”
Q: Can I join WACC if I don’t read music?
A: Yes! The songs are all taught by ear, even if there is notated music available.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: The group is open to singers of all ages. If you are under the age of 12 we ask you to bring a parent or adult singer with you.
Q: Do I have to audition?
A: No. We believe that everyone can sing, and singing in a group is a safe and fun way to find your voice!
Q: Is WACC a religious group of any kind?
A: No. We sing both sacred and secular songs, and WACC has no religious affiliation.
Q: What does it cost to join WACC?
A: We charge on a sliding scale. Check the price range for any of our offerings and please feel free to reach out for more scholarship if needed.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: 24 hours prior to an event 75% of all payments are refundable to you or transferable to a future WACC event. After an event or season has begun, your tuition is non-refundable.
Q: Do you have a Covid-19 policy?
A: We are in full support of folks choosing to wear masks and social distance if that feels good. We will not be checking for vaccinations nor are we requiring masks. That said we do ask that if folks aren’t feeling well please stay home.
Q: How often do you meet?
A: We meet at various times these days but mostly on Thursday nights. When we run a spring and fall 10 week season we meet once a week on Thursday nights from 7-9pm.
Q: Do I have to register for the season?
A: Yes you do need to preregister for all our events.
Q: Can I join a series/session even if I have to miss a rehearsal?
A: Yes. For our 10 week sessions if you know for a fact you’ll miss more than 3 rehearsals it’s better to wait and join us next season.