In the spirit of pub singing and enjoying beer, Beer Choir offers singers and non-musicians alike a chance to have fun and celebrate community.

Instead of an official performance, Beer Choir consists of locals getting together to sing informally. Anybody can join in, Palouse Choral Society (PCS) Vice President Gary Peterson said, it’s not just for members. A few musicians also join in from time to time, including a guitarist, a melodeon and a fiddler.

“People who come to sing are not expected to be good singers, they don’t need any experience or even know how to read music,” Peterson said. “We just have fun and drink beer.”

Members of PCS formed the Beer Choir’s Palouse-Two Rivers chapter last October. Beer Choir refers to a national organization founded in 2015 to engage the community and support local economies.

Peterson currently manages the Palouse chapter of Beer Choir. He joined PCS 15 years ago as a member of the Board of Directors. As vice president, he arranges the dates and venues for the Beer Choir, which usually meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

The group tries to alternate between bars in the valley and the Pullman-Moscow area, Peterson said. They may take a break from Beer Choir during the summer, but the group has not officially decided yet.

Jill Freuden regularly plays guitar for Beer Choir in addition to singing in PCS. Because PCS originally sang acapella, Freuden brought her guitar along, and it worked out, she said.

“The songs present no challenge, but since we play at a bar or pub, things can get loud,” Freuden said. “Set-up probably makes up the most challenging part.”

On her guitar, Freuden tries to play as loud as she can. Even though she is not sure if playing the right notes matters, she learned the chords for the songs, she said.

“What’s not to like?” Freuden said. “You’re singing, doing music and drinking beer. It’s a great combination.”

One of the group’s favorites, “Dough-Ray-Me,” is based off of the Sound of Music song “Do Re Mi” with lyrics about beer, so people can figure out the melodies pretty fast, Freuden said.

Those planning on attending can download the “Beer Choir Hymnal” online and bring it with them, but the PCS members will have extra copies for those who forgot or just happen to be at the venue and want to join in on the singing.

The hymnal has 11 songs in it, including the “Beer Choir Theme Song” and “Drunken Sailor.” A few of the songs, such as “Schnitzelbank,” are sung completely in German.

The next Beer Choir meet-up takes place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Hunga Dunga Brewery in Moscow. More information is available on the Beer Choir-Palouse-Two Rivers Chapter page on Facebook. Singing will last about an hour, and admission is free.