As Debbie LaRue left the Brick District Playhouse on Thursday evening, the sound of singing followed her.
"At the front door, I could still hear the music coming from the stage," LaRue said. "I just stood there and I thought, 'Yes. The music is back in the Brick District.'"
LaRue had just welcomed community choir, the Callaway Singers, for their first rehearsal at the playhouse, where the group plans to meet and practice this spring.
"This year, the playhouse board invited us to rehearse here and give a performance," Callaway Singers director Marlene Railton said.
The choir, which has grown to about 50 members, has performed in the community since 2006. On May 8, the Brick District Playhouse (613 Court St., Fulton) will host a reception dinner and concert with the Callaway Singers. On May 9, the choir will perform at a brunch event.
"We are pleased that we have an opportunity to continue what we love, what we've been doing since 2006," Railton said. "We're so grateful to the Brick District Playhouse for opening this door for us to be able to bring music to life in the Brick District."
The performances, which will feature favorite songs the group has sung over the years, will raise money for a concert piano for the Brick District Playhouse. The piano will allow the group to continue singing at the playhouse and could be used for other music and theater performances.
"They'll be helping to make a difference," LaRue said.
Back stage, the playhouse has set up a new space for music lessons. Two instructors have already started giving guitar, piano, voice and violin lessons.
Any instructors interested using the space to give lessons is invited to contact Railton by calling the Brick District Playhouse at 573-342-3388.
"We would have interest in welcoming other teachers," LaRue said.