Do you love to sing, whether for an audience or just in the shower?
Do you think you might enjoy the social fun of weekly choir practice, where you can learn to sing better, and even learn musical notes?
The Eclectica Community Choir is welcoming new members, and the best part for beginners is folks don't have to be a great singer (or audition) - or even need to know how to read music to join.
Eclectica spokesperson Barbara Hooper says men and women of all ages, and even youth, are encouraged to give it a try and experience the joy of music with this friendly and supportive choir group.
There's quite a range of musical experience in the choir, from those who have degrees in music to those who can't read a note, she explains.
"There is a certain amount of training that goes on, so you may not read music now, but there are those willing to stand beside you in the choir and we have a team that keeps watch on the new people."
They make sure that new members are doing all right and answer their questions, and teach a little bit of basic music theory – what a notes, a quarter notes or a half notes are, and even some voice training, she explains.
"There is some training that goes on, but it's all sort of within the practice."
Hooper says they also have sectional leaders on soprano, alto, tenor or bass to help with skill development.
"There's a feeling that you are included and people care about you. It is a good social group and very supportive.
"We get together toward the end of the first month to have a social, so we get to know each other that way."
Concerts are held in the community at the end of each season, at Christmas and spring at Martin Exeter Hall, but members are not required to participate in them, she adds.
"If you join for a couple of months only, and can't sing in a concert because you always go away for winter, or something like that, that's fine."
However, the fun and the benefits of membership in Eclectica don't stop there.
"All the benefits from our choir go to [local] charity, so that's a real contribution to the community.
"And there is just a lot of humour, a lot of laughter – we are called Eclectica because we like an eclectic bunch of music – all different styles, sometimes in different languages."
Hooper explains people don't need to speak any other languages, as most are sung in English, but others are done line-by-line so everyone can pronounce the words properly.
The membership fee is $25 per season (two seasons per year, fall/winter and spring), and members can expect some music sheet costs as the choir does not photocopy them in fairness to the songwriters and copyrights, she notes.
The fall/winter season begins Sept. 14, so anyone interested should sign up soon to be sure they catch all the practices.
Current or new members can register on Sept. 14, 21 and 28, 6:30 p.m. at the 100 Mile United Church at 49 Dogwood Ave. in 100 Mile House.
Choir practice happens each Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m., with a break halfway through, but members should arrive by 6:45 p.m. to get set up.
If you have any questions, call Barbara Hooper at 250-397-2980.
More information is also online at www.100milearts.com/eclectica-choir.html.
