Every year, I audition for the esteemed Chorus of Westerly. And every year, they kindly say, "Rick, as SOON as we have a production that calls for someone who can sound like an elephant gargling with battery acid, we'll let you know!"

Am I bitter?

Of course not! The Chorus of Westerly is an elite, cherished and not for profit choral organization. Generations of the town's citizens have passed through (or are still in) the ranks, and performances and programming are of consistently high quality and creativity. In addition to the Symphonic Chorus, the outfit includes the Foundations Chorus, Little Voices and the Children's Program. There's also the Music and Movement Performance Camp.

Established in 1959 by visionary George Kent, who passed the torch to current music director Andrew Howell in 2012, the Chorus of Westerly is one of the finest arts organizations in southern New England.

Chorus of Westerly, 119 High St., Westerly; www.chorusofwesterly.org.