The Basics
Our History and Mission
In 1984, two sisters, Leslie Hunter and Karen Sequeira, sang on the railroad tracks to protest movement of nuclear waste by train through Eugene, after which they founded Eugene Peace Choir. We combined our love of music and the world we live in through singing songs that support peace, social justice, and environmental sustainability. We continue to strive to enhance our musical skills, enrich our lives, and deepen collaborations with other community groups to contribute to our shared mission. Eugene Peace Choir is a non-sectarian all-comers choir that welcomes anyone to join.
Community Collaborators and Venues
We have given our voice to benefits and fundraisers for various local groups and causes such as the Reality Kitchen, CALC, the LASC "Close the School Of Americas" benefit concert by Tom Rawson, the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemoration, garden performances in support of Eugene Symphony, and more. In the past we have led songs during the City's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. march. We have performed at non-violent demonstrations such as the march for Climate Change, the No More War event, Eugene City Council meeting in support of Occupy Eugene and the Save Seavey Loop demonstration.
We have been fortunate to perform at a variety of venues, including concerts at the Atrium, the Occupy Eugene camp, the Sponsors Halfway House for Women, the Applegate Care Center, Oregon Country Fair, the Interfaith Prayer Service, and Holiday Market. On Presidents' Day weekend, we join annually with Portland Peace Choir, In Accord, and Rogue Valley Peace Choir to perform a multi-choir concert in the host choir's city.
Stewardship
We are a self-governed choir. The responsibility for administration, fundraising, and song selection is shared among all members. We incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity in 2003. Our corporate structure is a Board of Directors consisting of all willing choir members and four elected officers. Decisions are made by the choir at monthly business meetings where we arrive at solutions together and ensure everyone is heard.
About Our Members
MEMBER BIOS
Year joined: 2015
I am from Shoreline, WA. I am a full-time new mom to Oscar Amargi and a freelance copyeditor. I enjoy writing short fiction whenever I have the time. My favorite group singing music for peace/justice/environment: The Low Tide Drifters from Eugene.
I like participating in the choir because of the community of whole-hearted, justice-seeking people. It is two hours each week where all my worries of the day slip away and I can just focus on singing and being in touch with my body and breath. I love that the choir is self-governed because each person has the opportunity to shape who and what the choir is.
Year Joined: 1987
I was born and raised in northern New Mexico in the town of Los Alamos on Pajarito Plateau at 7200ft above sea level just 32 miles from the anchient Spanish and Native city of Santa Fe. Even though I was a tall shy anglo boy whose ancesters were German and Irish and whose parents came from Chicago and Union City, New Jersey 'me cultura' came from the culture of New Mexico. I spent my childhood playing, hiking and exploring in the mountains, canyons and high deserts.
The choir is part of my big extended family of lovers, creaters, healers, worshippers of nature and fighters for justice. Oregon is my base for the second part of my life. I love all the music we sing and our comradery.
Year joined: 2016
I was born and raised in New York City, spent 20 years in L.A. and currently live in Eugene (about 25 years) and spend winters in Mexico. I had a wonderful career as a therapist and Clinical Director of Midvalley Counseling Center in L.A. I just had a psychology book published on the therapeutic use of metaphors of which I'm very proud. I have written a play, Checkpoint, which I hope will be performed locally in the near future. My wife and I find great pleasure volunteering at the First Christian Church to prepare breakfasts for the homeless. My favorite song is "Let There be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin With Me."
I like participating in Eugene Peace Choir because of the wonderfully warm and accepting members. I enjoy being even a small part of their beautiful sound.
Larry Dobberstein (Tenor) - In Memoriam May 1948 - May 2019
Year joined: 2010
Larry was born in St. Louis and moved around a lot. He graduated from high school in San Jose, CA. Larry volunteered at Public Access TV studio where he served on their board, taught classes and produced a lot of shows, including Peace Choir concerts. He was a songwriter and performed with groups and solo. Larry's favorite song was 'Imagine' by John Lennon.
Larry said he enjoyed participating in Eugene Peace Choir where he learned about harmonies. He liked to express the peace choir's philosophy of peace, justice and environmental sanity.
Larry was a valued member of Eugene Peace Choir and will be missed. We will celebrate him each time we perform one of his songs.
Year joined: 2014
I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, but spent 25 years in Riggins, Idaho - very small town America. Eugene has been such a joy for me to live in, and the Eugene Peace Choir has really given me friends and a community. I have been an advocate for the environment, women and human rights, which the peace choir supports and animals, dogs, cats and rescues. I have as many as I can handle and then some!
My favorite song writer is Holly Near. Her songs really hit the reality we are living and put forth solutions!
Year joined: 2014
I have been a resident of Eugene for 30 years. I volunteered at the Center for Community Counseling and am actively involved in Eugene Friends of Jung. My favorite songwriters are Holly Near, Pete Seeger and Joan Baez.
I like being part of this great group of very caring and down to earth people. Our director is so gifted, so patient and knowledgeable. It is an up-lifting experience!
Year joined: 2018
I was born in Delaware, went to college and met my wife in New Orleans, raised our son in Austin, TX and moved to Eugene in 2016. I am an architect and am passionate about the environment and helping the homeless. I work at the 4J School District helping teachers and administration with their projects. "It's all 4 the Kids!" I enjoy making architectural models and taking long walks.
Some of my favorite artists favoring peace/justice and the environment are: Joni Mitchell; Dan Fogelburg; Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young; Joan Armatrading; and Todd Rundgren.
I like participating in Eugene Peace Choir because it is very community minded, inclusive, no pressure. I love David, the director, and the entire choir family!
Year joined: 1985
I have spent most of my life in Eugene. I am now retired from Oregon State University, where I taught philosophy and anthropology. Currently, I am concentrating on my poetry, fiction and essay writing. Besides singing whenever I get the chance, I am also an avid gardener and beekeeper. I have promised myself to start adding to my personal website again; dormant since I retired even though it continues to garner visits: https://holdenma.wordpress.com
One of my favorite songs is "Sweet Honey in the Rock." I also want to honor Ben Bochner, whom we so sadly recently lost - especially his "Unknown Blessings" which I hard him sing after Trump was elected along with a heartening talk on history. I have two words that describe how I feel about participating in Eugene Peace Choir: Community and Care.
Year joined: 2017
I was born and raised in Ohio, but was more comfortable in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Boulder, Colorado, and now here in Eugene. I have been a teacher, retired, and am still an artist and writer. I enjoy opening doors for others. Some of my favorite songs are 'Imagine' and 'Give Peace a Chance' by John Lennon; 'Let it Be' by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; 'What a Wonderful World' sung by Louis Armstrong; and 'Blowin' in the Wind' by Bob Dylan.
I value Eugene Peace Choir not only because I enjoy singing with others with a fine director, but because it is an opportunity to become better acquainted with a wonderful group of individuals who are committed to doing what they can to further peace and social justice; singing with this group also makes it more likely that I will come into contact with other caring people. I celebrate the fact that there IS a better emphasis in this life than a mercenary and selfish path.
Year joined: 2017
I am from eastern Ohio, near Cambridge. I am an Emeritus Professor of Computer Science and spent most of my career at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. While in high school, my wife and I helped found a folk group named “The Friends” in Coshocton, Ohio. We performed many of the songs of Peter Paul and Mary and the Weavers. I strongly support solar power and the elimination of the use of oil, natural gas and coal for energy production. Fossil fuels are the major factor creating our illegal wars and the corruption of our political process. Since we retired to Eugene, my wife and I have sold our vehicles, use public transportation, bike and walk. My favorite song is "Where have all the Flowers Gone."
The Eugene Peace Choir provides a wonderful opportunity to work as a group to bring our music to many people. The massive overspending on military items requires a counterbalance, and raising awareness about peace is one way to do that. Choirs offer a way to improve our vocal capability, a bit at a time, and create effective harmony as a group.
Year joined: 2005
I was born in Chapel Hill, NC and have spent most of my life in Eugene. I am a retired psychologist and a member of The Eugene Friends Meeting. I enjoy daily walks with my husband. Two of my favorite songs are "Down by the Riverside" and "Oh Holy Night."
I enjoy participating in Eugene Peace Choir because I like to sing. It's about the only other outside activity that I do. I love the kind of singing we do and the direction we get from our choir director.
Year joined: 2017
I am glad to be from Montana. I was enriched with self, social, community and international awareness and formal education in California. Land home is Hood River Valley (30+ years); decade residence in Denver area; and returned to Northwest to be support for my parents during health challenges. I have been thriving in Eugene for seven years. I enjoy intentional presence in and gifts of delight through Expression Dimensions; dancing (even ballet @ 27-5oe shoes in 5 mos., barre + performance till 50); poetry clamoring; embracing humanity through conversation; continuing self/spiritual presence singularly and with others. My working focus is through advocacy and case management.
My favorite lyrics are "Lake Isle of Innisfree" (Wm. B. Yeats), set with music: from inner knowing of peace and essence, calling comes to follow and lead. Eugene Peace Choir gives me pleasure to resound with all.
Julia Linebarger-Taylor (Soprano)
Year joined: 2011
Born in Reno, Nevada, my family moved around a lot. I have been a resident of Oregon since 1972. I have a large blended family in which I am proud to be a member. Throughout my life I have worked in various occupations, the most recent one as a legal assistant. I enjoy being with family and friends, loving my pets, reading and keeping up on the political news. There are several songwriters I enjoy on the theme of social justice that include Holly Near and Sara Thomsen.
As a member of Eugene Peace Choir, I love our focus on music that supports my values for peace, social justice, community and the environment. I am proud to be a member of a choir that is all-inclusive and strives to accommodate individuals with diverse backgrounds, beliefs and abilities. I appreciate how hard we work to live the values we support within our choir community.
Year joined: 2015
Before moving to Eugene, I lived in Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA. I volunteered at Center for Community Counseling. I am passionate about social justice. I enjoy yoga and am a practitioner of Mindfulness. My favorite music is whatever the choir is singing.
I like participating in Eugene Peace choir because music feeds my soul. Singing with others is like participating in a banquet.
Year joined: 1994
I am a Canadian transplant, graduate of University of British Columbia in art education, mother of two sons, artist, collector and vendor of vintage décor, nature lover, singer and dancer along the spiritual path. I enjoy working as a volunteer at Food for Lane County. I identify with and love the folk revival music of the 60's and 70's and into the present. If I had to pick one favorite musician, it would be John Denver. I played the Mary part (another favorite) in a Peter, Paul and Mary "rip off" folk trio during my college days.
I joined Eugene Peace Choir shortly after moving here, and it has been a wonderful outlet for singing the music I love as well as sharing community.
Year joined: 2005
I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and grew up in Colorado. I have lived in Eugene for quite some time and am a retired teacher from Ridgeline Montessori School. I enjoy my home, gardening and singing.
Eugene Peace Choir fulfills my need for community.
Gabriela (Gaby) Nava-Cohen (Soprano)
Year joined: 2016
I was born and raised in Mexico City. I participated in different exchange programs as a child, teenager and adult in California, Oregon, Michigan, Ohio and Massachusetts. Since 2013, Marty and I have been living in both Eugene and Mexico City during each year. After getting an M.A. in Bilingual Education, I went to Penn State as a Fulbright scholar with a focus on Adult Education and Lifelong Learning. My work life includes U.S. Embassy, World Bank, National Skills Standards Board, teaching and managerial positions in several universities and corporate training in the business world.
Singing with Eugene Peace Choir is like music to my soul. Being surrounded by talent and camaraderie helps Marty and me learn and grow together. Music is definitely the international language of love - no boundaries but the limitless possibilities towards joy and freedom.
Year joined: 2013
I spent my growing up years in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and was a US Air Force member and then Air Force wife for 16 years with US and overseas assignments. I came to Eugene in late 2012. I have a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy but no licensure. I love variety, travel and good juicy discussions about why people are the way they are. I have a secret desire to perform solo but I never act on it. My favorite song about peace/justice/environment: Imagine by John Lennon
I love being a member of the Eugene Peace Choir for many reasons. I love to sing - singing is healthy for our audience and also for us. I love being an active useful member of my Eugene Community. I love our Choir time together and the feeling that we are a family. And I love doing something to perpetuate the important message that "Love and Peace can heal any wound."
Year joined: 2018
I moved to Oregon from southern California in the 1970's. I love spending time with friends, family and kind folks in general. My interests include folk dancing, meditating, hiking, camping, anything water, trees, sunsets and my two dogs. My favorite song is 'Give me Love' by George Harrison.
I like participating in Eugene Peace choir because I love listening, singing, and sharing heartfelt music with others.
Year joined: 2017
I was born and raised in Kingston, NY and have lived in Eugene since 2002. I am a member of The Eugene Friends Meeting and I love to cook! My favorite songwriters include Kate Wolf, Fred Small, Tracy Chapman and Sade.
Singing makes me feel happy and strong. I love that anyone who likes to sing can be a part of Eugene Peace Choir.
Year joined: 2017
I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. My family lived in various states before moving back to Eugene in 2017. I have three handsome adult sons - Alex, Shabazz, and Califu - and one amazing granddaughter, Amora. I enjoy singing and acting, talents I inherited from both my parents. As a third-generation medium and healer, I continue to learn and grow in my journey towards clarity and truth. I love working with youth and non-profits as I have in the past with L.E.A.D, World Beat Center and Cultural De La Raza. I also love to cook. Some of my favorite artists and songs are: Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens); Holly Near - Fired Up!; and Carol King.
I'm thrilled to be a part of Eugene Peace Choir.
Year joined: 2011
I was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii. I moved to the Bay Area in California and retired in Eugene, Oregon. I volunteer in Grass Roots garden and Owen Rose garden. I enjoy attending Tuesday movie seminars with director Som Blank commentary. My favorite songwriter is Holly Near.
I like participating in Eugene Peace Choir where I can sing with wonderful people who become friends. I love participating in community events.
Year joined: 2012
I was born and raised in post-war Japan, just outside of Tokyo, until almost 16 years of age. My dream to attend American schools was realized, as I enrolled in a still-segregated high school in rural North Carolina, followed by undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina. Most of my adult life was spent in the Washington, DC area, until 2012 when I moved to Eugene, upon retirement from my 40-year career in education and food assistance program research with the federal government.
Currently, I work as a volunteer tutor for a Lane Community College adult basic education class and volunteer gardener at Food for Lane County's GrassRoots Garden. I am passionate about long-distance backpacking in the wilderness; have completed 720 miles of the Appalachian Trail, with hopes to keep adding more miles in future section hikes.
Eugene Peace Choir is special to me for its inclusiveness - to work with singers regardless of their music skills -- and the types of songs we sing (songs of peace, justice, and honoring our planet).
Year joined: 2015
I was born in Detroit, MI of Korean parents, lived in Southern CA about 35 years. In 2013, I retired and moved to Eugene. I'm most interested in discovering the underlying reasons for the evolution of human history. I don't have a particular favorite song, but really enjoy singing Somos el Barco.
I simply enjoy being able to associate with socially-conscious people who love to sing and have fun doing it.
Year joined: 2019
My first 12 years were spent in Philadelphia, PA. Up until April 2017, I spent the largest chunk of my life in Greensboro, NC. My first trip to Oregon was to attend the NW Spring Summit. Subsequent trips impressed me with the absolute beauty of Oregon and a positive vibe that just does not exist in the south. I miss my friends but am glad to be finding new ones in Eugene.
My favorite song is John Lennon's 'Imagine' - it is both timeless and timely.
I sang in my church choir for many years and am so happy to have found such a wonderful group of folks who find peace and joy in music.
Year joined: 2018
I have spent all my life in Eugene. I am a folkdancer and sing-along folksinger, construction for a living. I have no driver's license and have always lived in groups. I do not have any favorite song or songwriter about peace/justice/environment.
The friendliness in Eugene Peace Choir has been inspiring, as is David's skill and warmth as a voice coach. I'm getting better at singing from doing this. The songs seem naïve but very goodhearted.
Join the Peace Choir!
We welcome singers at all levels of musical experience and skill, ranging from music readers to those who learn songs by ear. Children who can participate in singing with adults are welcome.
When to join
Our season begins in September, the Monday after Labor Day, and ends in late May or early June. We are open for new members throughout our season.
How to join
No auditions or try-outs are required. We rehearse Monday nights from 6 to 8 PM at First United Methodist Church located at 1376 Olive Street, Eugene. Come join us at a rehearsal. You may also call or email us for more information (see Contact page).
Season 2021-22 COVID Protocols: We require proof of full vaccination & masks until further notice. We will rehearse outside in the church courtyard (where playground equipment is located) as weather permits.
Dues
Monthly dues are on a sliding scale from $15 per month to whatever you want to pay. No one is denied participation because of financial situations. Full or partial scholarships are available upon request. Prospective members can try us out for one month after which they are expected to pay dues.
© 2008-2018 Eugene Peace Choir | Designed and Hand-Built by Tom Berg | Updated 4-9-2018