Approaching its 25th season, the Cannon Beach Chorus hits all the right notes. With an upswing in membership and musical quality, it is drawing music enthusiasts from all around the North Coast to its ranks.

The chorus will end its current season with its annual Summer Cabaret concert at 7 p.m. July 12 and 13 at the Bob Chisholm Community Center in Seaside. Musical selections will be from Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin.

Established in March 1988, the Cannon Beach Chorus was organized to be a fun, small-town choral group. As the years passed, the chorus took its show all around the North Coast and the country, including a performance at famed Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Interest waned briefly in the early 2000s as the chorus struggled with its musical identity. That began to change with director John Buehler, who spent his career teaching chorale conducting. Buehler also had previous experience conducting community choruses.

A native of Kansas, Buehler and his wife, Susan Buehler, the chorus accompanist, settled in Cannon Beach three years ago.

Buehler, who has taught singing for over 40 years, values the joy music creates. Each season, he seeks to infuse the chorus hard work with enjoyment.

Singing is something that can be done by an itty-bitty kid or by someone near death, he said. It should be as good as it can be at every turn, but also fun at every turn.

Having fun is an integral part of Buehlers teaching philosophy, and he encourages the celebration of lighter moments. That is especially true with the diverse ages and backgrounds of the Cannon Beach Chorus.

The group ranges in age from 18 to 80. While centered in Cannon Beach, the chorus draws its members from around the region: Seaside, Warrenton, Astoria; Nehalem; Wheeler; Manzanita; and Naselle, Wash. are all represented.

So much we sing about is positive, not storm clouds and doom, Buehler said. When you get 40 to 50 different people together with the same general goal, its almost impossible to keep funny things from happening. Its a big part of who we are.

Buehler enjoys finding music that challenges and stretches the chorus and is always looking for the perfect match. Knowing where the level is that the music can be its best is the key, he said.

Finding that exact fit is a matching game, music to people, Buehler said. When you know enough about music, you can find the perfect piece that will stretch but not break the singers. Its always about the good of the group.

Buehler is proud of the chorus and is quick to point out that their dedication to their craft is the star.

The chorus does all the work; Im just there, he said.

The chorus has tackled some tough pieces, including the Faure Requiem at a recent spring concert, a selection John Huismann, chorus member and vice president of the choruss board, called immensely challenging.

John is always challenging us to stretch ourselves, Huismann said. Hes an excellent teacher.

Huismann said members of the chorus appreciate Buehlers relaxed, welcoming style of teaching.

Hes serious about what he does but never takes himself too seriously, he said.