Chorale Coeur d'Alene is a nonprofit, auditioned community chorus based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Founded in 2001, we bring together over 120 singers from across the Inland Northwest. We provide a high-level, ensemble-based musical experience for volunteer singers ranging from age 16 to 80+. Our concerts reach over 1,800 attendees annually, many of whom return season after season for meaningful, high-quality performances that include traditional repertoire, new commissions, and music both in sacred and secular traditions. We perform four concerts annually and are currently in our 25th season.
Our Mission
Chorale Coeur d'Alene brings great choral music to life. The Chorale pursues excellence in the tradition of performing sacred and secular works, involves young people in choral participation, and contributes to vibrant community life.
Vision Statement
Chorale Coeur d’Alene envisions a vibrant regional culture where choral music is valued, accessible, and thriving. We aim to be a leading force in cultivating lifelong singers, presenting powerful performances, drawing diverse audiences, and shaping the next generation of choral excellence throughout the Inland Northwest.
Core Values
Artistic Excellence
We pursue beauty, precision, and integrity in all we sing, honoring the craft of choral music through discipline and care.
Community Connection
We foster meaningful relationships among singers & audiences, and support our region through shared musical experience.
Lifelong Growth
We believe every singer, from student to senior, can grow in skill, artistry, and expression through rehearsal and performance.
Sacred & Secular Tradition
We value the depth and power of both sacred and secular choral works, recognizing their role in spiritual, cultural, and personal expression.
Collaboration
Our music comes to life through teamwork. We rehearse, refine, and perform with generosity, humility, and shared purpose.
Joy in the Journey
We take the music seriously, but not ourselves. Rehearsals are filled with laughter, enthusiasm for discovery, hospitality, and the thrill of making something beautiful together.
Stewardship
We manage our resources with care, make thoughtful decisions, and fulfill our vision for the next generation of singers and audiences.
Our Leaders
Dr. Joshua Chism
Artistic Director
Joshua Chism (b. 1987) is currently an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK. At OBU, Joshua advises music students; teaches private voice, Vocal Diction, and Vocal Pedagogy; and conducts the OBU Chorale, Bisonette Glee Club, and Golden Bison Vocal Jass ensemble. He is also the conductor for the Community Chorale and is Artistic Director for the Sine Nomine Choral Society. Prior to OBU, Joshua served on the music faculty at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA.
Joshua holds a PhD in Music Education with an emphasis in Conducting and Choral Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma in Norman (2022), a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri–Columbia (2019), and a Bachelor of Music Education degree and Bachelor of Music Composition degree from Missouri State University in Springfield (2010). Additionally, he holds Kodály Level I, II, and III certification.
Joshua currently serves as Minister of Music at Meadowood Baptist Church (Midwest City, OK) where he conducts the adult worship choir and orchestra in addition to leading congregational singing.
His research interests include the impact of service-learning internships, music assessment, MUED curriculum content, and community music. Joshua has recently presented original research at the Collegiate Musicological Society, National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and Society for Music Teacher Education conferences.
In his spare time, Joshua likes to compose, travel, hike, garden, eat sushi, and play board games. Joshua, his wife Natalie, and their young children (Jacob and Hannah) reside in Shawnee, OK.
David Brewster
Collaborative Pianist
David Brewster enjoys an active career as a pianist, music director and conductor in the greater Spokane area. He holds the degrees of Master of Arts in Music (Washington State University, 2008) and Bachelor of Arts in Music (Whitworth University, 2006) and in 2007 participated in the Bösendorfer International Piano Academy in Vienna, Austria.
In addition to his work as a collaborative pianist with Chorale Coeur d’Alene, David has also appeared with the Spokane Symphony Chorale, Spokane Chorale Artists, and Spokane Kantorei Choir. David is on the Advisory Council for the Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center, scheduled to open in summer 2024, and serves as music director and conductor for Spokane Valley Summer Theatre’s summer programming as well as its Big Band Christmas shows. As a pianist, David has toured throughout the United States and Canada with Irish tenor Michael Londra as part of his Celtic Fire and Ireland with Michael tours. Aside from his career as a musician, David enjoys skiing, cycling, cooking, and being Liberty’s husband and “Dada” to Fiona and Rowan.
Our History
Main article: Chorale Coeur d'Alene's History
In the summer of 2001, Cynthia Haberman Marlette assembled a small, dedicated group of vocalists who recognized a lack of choral opportunities for adult singers in the Coeur d’Alene area, and decided to form a new chorale called The Northwest Sacred Music Chorale. After many successful years, the chorale has grown to over 130 members and the increasing quality has been recognized by many. Most recently, the chorale was honored to be invited to participate in a Memorial Day concert at Carnegie Hall in NYC in 2026.
The chorale has always felt a need to support youth in music education. The Young Artist Competition has recognized many outstanding youth in the past 14 years and will continue to encourage youth to further their music education though larger scholarships and corporate sponsorships.
In 2017, the chorale’s name was changed to Chorale Coeur d’Alene to match the chorale’s broader community and cultural arts mission and to give the chorale a home of record. While the name has changed, the chorale membership still draws from all over the Inland Northwest, serving Kootenai, Spokane, Bonner and Latah counties.
Our Organization
Chorale Coeur d'Alene is a non-profit organization under IRS 501(c)(3). Your contribution may be tax deductible. Please contact your tax advisor for details.
Mailing address:
Chorale Coeur d’Alene
2900 N Government Way
PMB 295
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
