Dick DeVinney has been involved with music most of his life. That's why he started the Glen Arbor Art Association Summer Singers.

Four summers ago, DeVinney thought the area needed more music, but didn’t want to compete with church and community choirs during the year. A summer ensemble seemed a perfect fit.

A summer’s worth of work will culminate at the organization’s 2007 concert, set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the glen Lake Community Reformed Church.

“We started just to see if anyone wanted to get together and sing,” said DeVinney. They certainly did.
People come from all over the area to take part in the group. The Glen Arbor Art Association helps publicize concerts and sponsors the group. They have also helped purchase music for the singers.

“Singers come from Benzie, Traverse City, Leelanau County, everywhere,” DeVinney said. Their philosophy is simple: have fun. Year-round and summer residents are welcome.

“I would say we have about 55 people who come (to practices),” said DeVinney. The rehearsals often draw larger numbers than singers at the group’s concert because many summer residents have left the area by then.

“It’s more like 40 (singing) at the concert,” said DeVinney. The concert usually draws 150-200 listeners, not bad for a group that only began in 2003.

For more information about the Summer Singers contact Dick DeVinney at 334-7695, or via e-mail at dickmarion@aol.com.