On a chilly Saturday morning, the sanctuary of First Congregational Church of Natick was warmed by the enthusiastic and upbeat sounds of song. It was the weekly rehearsal of Voices of MetroWest a nonprofit, volunteer-run community chorus, based in Natick. 

According to Founder and Artistic Director Paul Surface, "the mission of Voices of MetroWest has been to tap into the power of music, which, unlike any other, can bind people together. We have promoted interactive musical concerts and participated in community events to provide for positive enrichment in the lives of the performers, audience, community and world around us."

The motto of the group is: if you love to sing, join us in song.

"We sing music with a positive message, there are no auditions, singers do not need extensive musical training, singers come from all parts of the MetroWest community and we keep our ticket prices down to make it financially possible for more people to attend," Surface said. 

Voices of MetroWest will present "Voices Loves Elvis" concert Sunday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m., at the Amazing Things Art Center, 160 Hollis St. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children under 13, and are very limited.

The only requirement to join Voices of MetroWest is a love of song and musical expression and you must be at least 14 to join.

There are currently 20 members of the group which include four Framingham residents: Susan Luz, Margaret Howell, Charlene Frary and Tiffany Dagg.

There is also a five-piece band consisting of drums, saxophone, guitar, bass and keyboard. The group is known for their four-part harmony and range of musical styles including gospel, jazz, R&B, oldies, pop, Motown and more.

Founded by Surface in 2008, the first rehearsals were initially held in Framingham.

"My idea was to find a place in Framingham to be closer to a wider ethic mix. After five weeks, the First Congregational Church of Natick offered us rehearsal space with no charges," Surface said. And that has been their home ever since.  

At about the same time, Surface contacted Chauncey McGlathery to be musical director and conductor, because of his varied background in music and theater.

During a recent rehearsal the group was working on a Ray Charles tribute for an upcoming concert. They were singing, Hit the Road Jack and McGlathery was giving it his all conducting the group. He stopped the female choral members from singing and told them to focus on the "don't you come back no more, no more, no more! "part of the song.  

"Hey, the issue has been settled, the argument is over. You wouldn't keep making eggs for this guy or else he wouldn't leave! You need to sell this!" McGlathery said. He was able to skillfully break down the scene and let the emotion of it rise up in their minds. When the women sang the verse again, they did it with gusto getting outside of themselves and definitely selling the song.

Passion is an undercurrent in this group and Surface wants people to know, "There is no other singing group like Voices of MetroWest, in its structure and purposes. We are more than a singing group, we are about building community through music. We will never do traditional choral music, we sing music with a message. Our concerts are events, with attendees' participation.  Members are passionate about the music."