The St. Joseph Community Chorus has been bringing expressive and talented local voices together for 28 seasons. It was a significant fact Dr. David Benz kept in mind when he took over as the chorus' artistic director.

While working on with this year's season of concerts, he also came up with a theme that seemed to fit.

"In picking the theme 'The Voice of Community,' I did that because that is where I come from and where I think about choirs," Benz says. "Choirs really kind of express the community's creative side."

The 85 to 90 men and women will start showing their camaraderie and creativity when the St. Joseph Community Chorus performs its first concert of the season entitled "Music of the People" at 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Fulkerson Center at Missouri Western State University.

For this concert, Benz says the chorus made the decision to start things off by showcasing lighter, fun pieces. The "Music of the People," in this case, consists of popular folk songs from countries around the world.

Benz says the program will feature songs from Ireland ("That is such happy dancing music."), China ("They have such a graceful way of expressing themselves musically.") and the piece "Waters Ripple and Flow" from Czechoslovakia ("That probably represents some of the best music of Europe.").

In addition to those countries' melodies, you'll also hear Hebrew love songs sung in their native tongue and five songs from the good ol' U.S. of A., courtesy of Omaha composer Jackson Berkley, who is the featured keyboardist for the world-renowned Christmas music group Mannheim Steamroller.

"He's just a breath of fresh air," Benz says. "He really writes from the heart."

Benz hopes that "Music of the People" will serve as an eclectic and promising opening offering from the St. Joseph Community Chorus that will continue to keep this St. Joe institution thriving for another season.

"I think St. Joseph from its earliest days has had a really nice culture of art and music and that's an important mission to us to continue that special quality in St. Joe," Benz says.

Tickets for "Music of the People" are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. For more information, call 752-1010.