GULF SHORES — The Dowling Singers, an ensemble of highly trained and auditioned vocalists, continued its reach into the community, performing in front of welcoming crowds at four area churches in Summer / Fall, 2011. The group presented a concert of sacred music at First United Methodist Church of Bay Minette, Orange Beach United Methodist Church, Spring Hill Presbyterian Church (Mobile)and, most recently, at St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel (Magnolia Springs).

The group comprises 15 skilled vocalists from Baldwin and Mobile counties and is conducted by Don Dowling, founder and former conductor of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale ( Peoria , IL ) and, most recently, the Coastal Chorale. Dowling describes the purpose of the group as an ideal format to present challenging works of choral music to a broad audience of listeners.

Singers include sopranos Carolyn Bennett ( Gulf Shores ), Lisa Cardwell (Foley), Bonnie Hariel ( Mobile ), Charmein Moser (Spanish Fort); altos Betsy McKinney ( Orange Beach ), Kathy Stastka (Daphne), Leeanne Stilley (Foley), Theresa Wood ( Orange Beach ); tenors Kevin Dyess (Bay Minette), Dan Norris (Foley), Lloyd Stilley (Foley); and basses Keith Foster (Foley), Joey Stastka (Daphne), Jim van Matre ( Mobile ) and Jan Zuercher (Spanish Fort). The group is accompanied by Kayla Dowling.

The Dowling Singers announce two concerts of sacred music to be presented Jan. 28-29. Both concerts will be held in Founders Hall, First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores, 2200 W. 1st St., Gulf Shores. The concerts, which are free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m.

The concerts will feature both new and traditional sacred works, including a number of challenging a cappella selections. "Te Deum," a soaring rendition of a traditional Christian prayer set to music by well-known Christian composer Mark Hayes, highlights the concerts, along with choral adaptations of the well-known sacred works "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "I Believe" and "The Lord's Prayer."

Both concerts are free and open to the public. For further information, call 251-948-2839, e-mail thedowlingsingers@gmail.com, or find them on Facebook at Dowling Singers.