Singing feels great, whether you’re in the shower, at a karaoke bar, or in the car. Imagine that feeling magnified tenfold or even a hundredfold. That’s how it feels to sing in a choir. You open your mouth and hear the kind of music – big music – that’s only possible with a room full of voices.

As winter approaches, people all over the region are meeting in halls, basements and churches to learn and practise choral arrangements. Many do this year after year because they’re hooked on the result: performing at a concert, where their beautifully blended voices will fill the air and thrill an audience.

Choirs are not just for music prodigies. While some audition their members to ensure a certain level of competency, others are open to anyone who loves to sing. Tempus Choral Society is a non-auditioned community SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir whose repertoire consists of “songs from different genres including Broadway classics, folk tunes, jazz hits, and classic pieces,” says member Catherine Ross. “We aim for a light, lively style that is fun to sing and engaging for all audience members.”

Although the ability to read music will make practice easier, Ross explains, many choristers just listen to the recorded parts for their voice and learn by listening and singing along. After a few rehearsals, all singers get to know the songs regardless of whether or not they can read the notes.

At Circle of Harmony, potential new members commit to a nine-week program that involves getting to know the chorus, understanding which part best suits their voice, and learning a song along with existing members. After the nine weeks, there’s an audition for which they are well prepared. 

Circle of Harmony is an award-winning choir that sings a capella (unaccompanied by instruments). “We are part of the Sweet Adelines International organization and sing in a barbershop style,” says Susan Vaz, proud member and PR Chair. ‘This means that the four parts create ringing chords and amazing harmonies. The works we perform span the decades from standards, to musical theatre, and even Queen!”

The members of Circle of Harmony, ranging in age from 20s to 80s, form friendships that last a lifetime. Their performances engage audiences with their “passionate singing” and “energetic choreography,” Vaz says. 

Good for the soul

Oakville, Burlington and surrounding areas boast an impressive number and variety of choirs that perform everything from pop to jazz to classical. These choirs welcome members from all walks of life. 

Masterworks of Oakville is an auditioned choir that performs the great works of the Western choral tradition. Members pride themselves on performing challenging works that are rarely performed outside of metropolitan centres.

Virginia Barsenbach, a member of Masterworks of Oakville, sings the praises of her choir: “I love the music that we sing, and I’ve formed a lot of friendships,” she says. “It’s so wonderful to finally sing the concerts for our community after all the hard work that we do to learn the pieces.”

Aside from camaraderie and the unbridled joy of making music, singing in a choir is scientifically proven to be good for you. “Learning new songs stimulates memory and cognition while the deeper, controlled breathing is good for the lungs and heart,” says Ross from Tempus Choral Society. “Did I mention the high one gets when performing? It is really hard to be unhappy when you sing harmony with others!”

LOCAL LINKS

Circle of Harmony
circleofharmony.ca

Masterworks of Oakville Chorus & Orchestra
masterworksofoakville.ca

Tempus Choral Society
tempuschoralsociety.com

BY MICHELLE MORRA