The Ypsi Beer choir event at Arbor Brewing Company in Ypsilanti was a time of community, food and spirits. The event was located towards the back of the brewery, and behind a set of black curtains. When approaching, it felt like a different world, with people pounding on tables to the beat of the music, and loud laughter filling the air.
Who Is Beyond Choir?
The host of Beer Choir is Beyond Choir, a nonprofit organization that was established in 2021. According to their website, they are a professional vocal ensemble of distinguished soloists, chamber musicians and music educators. They seek to inspire audiences and members to embrace creativity and innovation. Brandon Johnson is the artistic director and founder of Beyond and the director of choral activities at Eastern Michigan University.
Beyond hosts a variety of concerts, events and community outreach programming. Their vision for their community programs is creating a world that is healthier and more connected through music.
Beer Choir
A sense of energy was prevalent immediatley upon arrival. The singing of people, mugs of beer clinking together, and the pounding of hands on tables filled the air along with the music. Johnson lead the singing and was joined by Executive Director Aaron Kempla.
"We host beer choir every other or every three months and it is one of our community engagement programs," Kempla said. "As a non-profit, we really want to engage with the Ypsilanti community, students at Eastern, students at U of M ... all of Washtenaw county. We want to get involved ... we want you to get singing, whether that be in one of our professional ensembles or in one of our community ensembles."
"Beyond Choir has been in existence for about three years doing professional recordings, and this is our first year concertizing, so we have a number of performences this year," Brandon said. When asked about whether they plan to bring beer choir to more locations, he said that they've only done two beer choirs so far. So, while they do plan on bringing it to more breweries in the future, the current focus is going to be on this one for the time being.
Jess Anders had a great time as an attendee at Beer Choir.
"This is super fun. I grew up singing, I was in a youth choir as a child and being at community events like this where we can come together and have a good time, and do something positive is super fun," Anders said.
You can find out more about Beyond Choir on their website and check out more of their events for the rest of the year. Their next beer choir will be Feb. 3, 2025.
