It’s a place to sing out loud, an opportunity to harmonize and a chance to make connections based on love of music alone — outside of joining a church choir, opportunities like these are few. But one group is determined to keep the music going, and they’re recruiting.

“We’re trying to keep the choral tradition alive,” said Wendy Thienpont, president of the Beaufort County Choral Society.

It’s a battle: public schools are increasingly asked to cut budgets, there are whole generations of students who aren’t given the opportunity to be a part of a choral program, or even appreciate them, according to Thienpont.

“The big problem is that the very first thing to go in the schools are the arts. They usually will keep enough money for things like marching band, but not the choral groups,” she said. “Without being exposed to this kind of music at an young age, it’s not something that kids are aware of and want to continue. So, yes, it’s becoming harder and harder to get keep the tradition alive — it’s not just singers we’re losing, but we’re also losing the audience, because they’re not being exposed to it. But, you know, if anyone’s watching ‘America’s Got Talent’ right now, there’s a choral group that’s made it all the way to the finals.”

That’s where the Beaufort County Choral Society steps in, giving singers of all ages, and all talents, a chance to be a part of something bigger. The group, which is affiliated with the local arts nonprofit Arts of the Pamlico, is getting ready to start its new season, which will culminate in several free Christmas performances for the public. BCCS is actively seeking people who like to sing, and aiming their efforts at a younger generation by including a babysitter on the premises when the group is rehearsing.

“We hope we can attract some younger parents, and they won’t have to pay a babysitter to come sing,” Thienpont said, adding that she’s also looking for volunteer babysitters — she’s got one lined up, but could use several more.

Weekly rehearsals for the coming concert will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday evenings at First Presbyterian Church in Washington. Though last year’s performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria was well-received, choral society Director Stephen Brand is aiming for lighter fare this year, Thienpont said.

“We don’t have all the music yet, but we’re going for more familiar, toe-tapping music,” Thienpont said.

While choral society members pay dues to the tune of $45, they have no intention to exclude anyone who wants to sing.

“We do have scholarships available,” Thienpont said. “We don’t want anyone to feel like because they can’t pay that much, they can’t sing. We welcome all parts, but especially tenors and basses — those are who we do need.”

For more information about the Beaufort County Choral Society, call Wendy Thienpont at 252-975-2625. The first rehearsal of the season will be held in the multipurpose room of First Presbyterian Church on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m., with registration at 5:30 p.m.