INSPIRATIONAL SOUNDS, INC

Book us: Carol Texley, Business Manager

Donate: Kathy Vrzak, Treasurer

Listserv: Sydney Kissinger, Secretary

Info: Marilyn Reed, President 

or Paulette Ansari, Vice President

Inspirational Sounds is a non-profit,  music and performing arts organization whose mission is to promote the heritage of African-American gospel musical traditions, which are rooted in American music. Inspirational Sounds implements its mission by utilizing professional art productions and educational tools to increase awareness and engage diverse community members in the arts.  Its programs also aim to teach gospel singing and music to bring about unity among various racial, ethnic, and cross-generational constituents of our community. Organization membership includes singers from Eugene, Springfield, Veneta,  and Corvallis. The group is a unique gospel choir because it includes a large percentage of non-African Americans but still retains a traditional Black gospel choir sound. The choir encourages audiences to become involved, joining them in clapping, shouting, singing, and celebrating.

The group is well known throughout the state of Oregon for its energetic renditions of gospel music and is often featured at Martin Luther King Day celebrations in Portland and Eugene.

Our income comes mainly from membership dues, performances and donations. An occasional  choir garage sale in the spring is great fu We are most grateful to our community , private donors, for their generous support. Scholarships are available and dues set on a sliding scale allow persons at every income level to participate fully in choir activities. We are incorporated as a 501(C)3 non-profit public charity. Our corporate structure is a Board of Directors consisting of 10 elected officers. Decisions are made at the Board's regularly held business meetings where we ensure everyone is heard and arrive at solutions together.