OFC


"What's that?!" is the first response I heard from anyone when I told them I was writing a blog about Oly Free Choir. Well, that's why I'm writing it! I said the same thing. I saw a poster on the window of Dumpster Values in Downtown Olympia and it sparked my interest. I decided to make a visit, and did not know what to expect.

The poster told me they met at The Northern on Tuesday evenings, and I honestly expected to meet a ton of people with sheet music in hand, singing something they had all been rehearsing for months. I expected to be a bystanding reporter, silent and survelant. However, what I encountered was nothing of the like.

I walked in to a circle of people, mostly college age and some older, and was greeted warmly. They were happy to have their pictures taken, then invited me to sit down and sing with them. After a while, I played a song on guitar while they sang along and others did the same. There are no specific leaders in OFC, just people who gather to sing songs together.

The OFC sings out of a book of random songs contributed by members who wanted to sing them. They range from classic rock to contemporary pop to the Power Rangers' theme song. There is no sheet music, just lyrics and whoever volunteers to play an accomanyment. Guitar, recorder, and tamborine were the weapons of choice on Tuesday. I was not the only first-timer, and long time members said that Free Choir is on a fairly drop-in membership. Joining their group on FaceBook will inform you of their news and events.