The Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition Chorale, made up of blacks, whites, men and women and various religious denominations, started rehearsal Tuesday for its performance at the King Day commemorative program Jan. 20 at Music Hall.

Tenor, alto, soprano, baritone and bass singers started blending voices at 7 p.m. at the House of Joy, 5918 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, under the director of Catherine Roma, who founded the group 11 years ago.

The chorale will rehearse every Tuesday through Jan. 14. The performance will be part of a program to honor the slain civil rights leader.

“We are looking for more singers,” said Ms. Roma, a professor of music at Wilmington College. “We had 120 singers on stage at the last program. We hope to have more this year. The more singers we have, the more diverse we are. I believe that singing has the power to change things. We are singing to keep the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. alive.”

The group's diversity is important to Richard and Barbara Hadden of North Avondale, who have been with the group since the beginning. They are members of the St. John Unitarian Church in Clifton.

“It means a lot to us to be able to sing in a diverse group such as this,” said Mr. Hadden, who sings bass. “I love it. We know that it is needed in Cincinnati now especially after all the civil unrest.”

Mrs. Hadden said the group represents peace and justice.

“It is an exciting experience,” said Mrs. Hadden, a soprano. “Most of us don't have chance to mix and meet. We have been at every rehearsal (over the 11 years) and only missed one program, when we were trapped in a snowstorm in North Carolina.”

Virginia Acklin, a Baptist and an original member of the choir, said the group is a symbol of nonviolence.

“I am gratified that I am able to integrate myself with a diverse group,” she said. She sings alto and is a member of Zion Baptist Church in Avondale.

Ed Goldman, a baritone singer, says singing in the group is a good opportunity for people of different backgrounds to come together.

“It is a good starting point for some of us,” said Mr. Goldman of Blue Ash. “I think the credit should go to Catherine Roma, who has great talent for bringing people together.”

Myrna Ethridge, a Baptist, said there is a lot of unity and a lot of love among the singers.

“We represent a good cause for a good person,” said the member of Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church. “The diversity helps, but we don't even notice it.”

The January program commemorates the 40th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. King's historic speech, “I Have A Dream.”

To join the group, call Catherine Roma, (800) 341-9318, ext. 368, or come to a rehearsal, 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the House of Joy, 5918 Hamilton Ave., College Hill.

E-mail ahoward@enquirer.com

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