“Music is the universal language...it brings people closer together.” —Jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald.
Ella Fitzgerald's words have been truly borne out by the Okanagan Children’s Choir over the past year.
Founded last September under the leadership of artistic director Frances Chiasson, this new choir has become a warm, friendly and talented group of young singers, engaging audiences through their work with other choirs.
The choristers developed their singing skills throughout the year, working hard to create a beautiful tone and learning to sing in two- and three-part harmony.
Following their debut performance at the Downtown Kelowna Christmas Tree Light Up, the choir sang in concert with the Kelowna Liedertafel Choir, Musaic Vocal Ensemble, Glenmore Elementary School Choir and the Penticton Youth Choir. As well, they worked with Elise Bradley, conductor of the world renowned Toronto Children's Choir, before an audience of elementary music educators from all over the Okanagan.
The children have learned a great deal from their year together — how to work with others, how to carry themselves and enjoy performing in front of an audience, that singing is a truly life-long journey, and that there is great joy in singing together, strengthening their friendships and community through music.
Making and renewing connections with other musicians and ensembles will remain an important part of the upcoming season. New connections include singing in the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and Bumbershoot Theatre co-production of Hansel and Gretel in December and sharing a Christmas concert with the ever-popular Spectrum Singers of Kelowna.
One of the Okanagan Children's Choir parents recently wrote: "What an amazing year with Okanagan Children's Choir. Excited for next year's adventures. If your kids have a love for singing, I highly recommend auditioning for this amazing choir."
Auditions are now underway for the 2016-17 season. Girls and boys in Grades 4 through 7 who love to sing are invited to audition for membership in this exciting ensemble.
For more information about the Okanagan Children’s Choir or to book an audition time, visit okanaganchildrenschoir.ca, or contact Frances Chiasson at 250-869-6817.