RUMFORD — The RAAPA Chorus will begin rehearsals for the annual Christmas Show on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Lecture Hall of the Mountain Valley Middle School.

In celebration of its 44th year presenting choral music and drama in the Rumford area, this year’s music, although primarily Christmas, will also contain the other types of music the chorus sings: patriotic at the various holiday parades and popular at the dinner theaters.

The director will be Judith Kuhn, who has directed the group since 1969, and the piano accompanist will be Gail Dorr. The RAAPA Chorus is open to adults beyond high school age and although there is no audition, previous chorus or choir experience is important as the music is challenging, especially for those who sing alto, tenor or bass.

The deadline for joining the chorus is Monday, Aug. 13, in order to give plenty of time for additional copies of music to be ordered if necessary.

To sign up contact Kuhn at 364-7242 or email [email protected].

There will also be a dance troupe directed and choreographed by Connie Porter for dancers with previous tap and jazz training. Contact Porter at 562-8232.

Because this is a very special celebration, it is hoped that many former members will rejoin; however, all former members are invited to join the chorus in singing “Christmas in a Small Town.” Anyone desiring to sing this one song should contact Kuhn no later than Nov. 1 so those names can be included in the program.

For this anniversary show there will be only one performance on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. in Muskie Auditorium.