COCC’s Redmond Community Choir to perform free musical journey through American history

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Central Oregon Community College's Redmond Community Choir will present a free performance of “Americana: Celebrating Our Musical Roots” on Sunday, May 17, at 4 p.m. The concert will take place at the Redmond High School auditorium, located at 675 SW Rimrock Way.

The nearly 80-member choir's program features songs of Bob Dylan, Brandi Carlile and Stephen Stills. The concert aims to explore the evolution of American musical traditions from the 1800s to the present day.

Ken Piarulli, the choir director, began planning the program in late 2025. Piarulli has been a professional jazz pianist since 1972 and has directed choirs ranging from elementary children to adults.

He started planning with the goal of exploring American musical history. “I started planning for this program late last year, with the idea of tracing our musical roots from the 1800s to today,” Piarulli said.

The performance will include accompanists on piano and flute. “The program, featuring accompanists on piano and flute, combines influences of folk, country, blues, bluegrass, gospel and rock into the musical genre we call 'Americana,'” Piarulli said.

The Redmond Community Choir is a Central Oregon Community College community education class. It was first formed in 2019 under Piarulli's guidance. This non-auditioned ensemble welcomes all experience levels. The class rehearses at the college's Redmond campus on Monday evenings during the academic year. Registration for the choir typically fills to capacity within 24 hours of opening.

For more information about the Redmond Community Choir and its programs, visit cocc.edu/ce.