In brief: Auditions open for NIC choir

The North Idaho College Concert Choir is auditioning singers for its spring 2008 season.

Community members are encouraged to audition during the ensemble’s first rehearsal at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 in Boswell Hall’s Schuler Performing Arts Center.

Auditions will include pitch matching exercises and some music sight-reading. The ability to read music is recommended, but not necessary.

The NIC Concert Choir focuses on choral repertoire suitable for the large ensemble, which can include 60 to 80 singers. The group meets regularly throughout the year from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Rehearsals are in preparation for the “Spring Choral Extravaganza” April 27 at NIC. The concert will include selections by Aaron Copland.

Participation in the NIC Concert Choir is open to both students and community members.

For more information, call NIC Choir Director Max Mendez at 769-3275.

Grant applications being accepted

The Idaho Community Foundation will accept applications through Jan. 15 for North Idaho projects as part of the Northern Region Competitive Grant Cycle.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for a wide range of projects, including arts, education, emergency services, conservation/environment, health, libraries, recreation, public projects and social services.

ICF’s Northern Region includes Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce and Shoshone counties.

Prospective applicants may visit the foundation’s Web site at www.idcomfdn.org to learn more about the application process and to access an on-line application. Interested persons also may contact ICF via e-mail at grants@idcomfdn.org or by phoning 342-3535. Complete applications must be submitted online no later than Jan. 15 to be considered.

Applications are invited from 501(c)(3) charitable organizations or governmental units or their subsidiaries (including public schools) for projects that will benefit ICF’s Northern Region.

The ICF this year awarded $271,730 in grants to 114 nonprofit organizations or projects in 10 counties in North Idaho.

The Idaho Community Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization composed of more than 370 individual funds, pooled together for efficient management. Total assets are more than $70 million. Since it began making grants in 1991, ICF has made charitable distributions totaling more than $31 million.

– From staff reports