The Olympia Peace Choir began in 2010 when Kerri Lynn Nichols, who had envisioned an inclusive community choir, shared her idea with a few close friends. The original vision was to build a full choral program: an SATB choir for all voice ranges (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), an auditioned small group (The Olympia Peace Singers), a Treble Choir and a Children’s Choir.
Along with artistic director Kerri Lynn Nichols, Becky Liebman and Debbie Koshelnik were among the first to help found the choir and get it up on its feet.
Kerri Lynn asked a dear friend and local attorney, John Parr, to help with the legal paperwork so that The Olympia Peace Choir could become a nonprofit organization. John Feek and Scott LaViollette helped complete the arduous task of making sure the choir had a firm foundation as an organization. The first board of directors included Scott LaViollette, Tamara Crane, Sophia Rychener, John Feek, and Becky Liebman.
A first orientation/rehearsal for the SATB choir was held in a legal building donated by John Parr. We were hoping for 20 people to show up and sing. Instead, there were 40! We then moved the choir’s rehearsal space to First United Church of Olympia and rehearsed there for several years.
In September 2023 we launched Treble Voices for Peace, an-all ages community chorus performing new and traditional music, by and for women, LGBTQIA2S+ folks and others who uphold our themes of peace, social justice and environmental stewardship.
All voices who sing in the treble range (soprano, alto, contralto) are invited to join.
The Olympia Peace Choir meets at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Monday nights from September through late May. TVFP meets on Thursday nights from September to May at First Christian Church.
Our choirs have performed to standing-room-only audiences at the Capitol Rotunda, Arts Walk, the Olympia Farmers Market, and more. We’re grateful for the Olympia community’s love and support for our mission.
