The Coast's newest choral society, the Suncoast Singers, are poised for their first public concert on Dec. 1 and 3 at the Lutheran Church in Davis Bay. The program, A Christmas Celebration, includes a yuletide selection of classical and original works, both sacred and secular.
The 28 members - sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, both experienced and novice - have taken up the challenge of being part of a choir and have been rehearsing Thursday evenings under the direction of Joy McLeod. The choral director, who has recently moved here from Victoria, has a background that includes a degree in music from Brandon University and, more recently, her direction of a choir in Winnipeg and the Avalon Singers in Victoria.
"Being part of the choir is not totally for our own enjoyment," said choir president Pat Lilly, "but to increase our music knowledge." Lilly believes that singing is a boon to health because it improves the respiratory system. And meeting with the other choir members has become a way to develop personal singing abilities and to meet new friends.
Pianist Katherine Hume will also be performing at the concert. A newcomer to the Coast, Hume has a bachelor of music from McGill University, has studied in Europe and has some background in chamber music.
Ticket sales for the two concerts have been brisk, which Lilly credits to the enthusiasm of the choir members who have sold them among their friends. Not a bad turnout for a choir that began rehearsals only in September. Tickets are still available from Talewind Books in Sechelt and Hallmark Cards in Gibsons for the Dec. 1 concert at 7:30 p.m. and the Dec. 3 matinée at 2 p.m. Both take place among the good acoustics of the Lutheran Church in Davis Bay.
Those interested in joining the choir when rehearsals start again in January can find out more at www.suncoastsingers.ca.
