About the Choirs
We have three different choirs so you can choose the choir that is the best fit, based on your levels of confidence and musical experience as well as the amount of time you are able and willing to devote to choir. Your choral experience will be shaped by choosing the choir that best suits your experience and goals. If after joining one of the Joyful Noise choirs you think that another one of our choirs would be a better fit, we encourage you to chat with Artistic Director Roderick Bryce. He can help you decide if one of the other choirs would be right for you. If so, you are welcome to move.
What do the choirs have in common?
All three choirs:
- are non-auditioned and welcome everyone who wants to sing;
- sing eclectic repertoire from a variety of musical styles, classical music to popular songs sometimes arranged for A Joyful Noise;
- emphasize learning in a supportive environment;
- recognize that singers have other responsibilities outside choir and accommodate members who must sometimes miss choir rehearsals.
- Rehearsal times are from 7 – 9 PM for all three choirs.
How are the choirs different?
To make sure your experience of choral singing fits with what you are looking for, we encourage you to consider the differences among the choirs. The three choirs differ according to:
- format and goals of rehearsals;
- the kinds of learning opportunities offered;
- repertoire (level of difficulty, how quickly they move through repertoire, how much repertoire they learn in a year);
- the type of concert performances (if any);
- the kind of commitment expected of the individual singers.
A Joyful Noise – wednesday choir
Format and goals of rehearsals – To Teach the Building Blocks of Choral Music
More a choral class than a conventional choir rehearsal, Wednesday Choir gives its members lots of time to enjoy learning the fundamentals of choral music (i.e. voice technique, how to read a choral score, and music history) as we sing.
Learning opportunities – Weekly rehearsals/Workshops
Choir rehearsals are held weekly and additional instruction is provided through field trips, guest instructors, and workshops in such topics as different aspects of music theory, music reading, and singing. You will have an opportunity to apply what you learn through the workshops at the weekly rehearsals, and have the chance to perform in front of an audience in a very supported way if you so choose.
Repertoire – Eclectic and Easy
The repertoire will be drawn from a variety of genres and languages, from classical to contemporary music. The choir will sing unison songs, rounds and sometimes in three parts. You will have an opportunity during the year to explore which part best suits you.
Perform in concerts – Optional
Wednesday choir will have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience in a very supported and low-pressure environment.
Commitment level – Regular Attendance is Encouraged
In order to learn the building blocks of choral singing, regular attendance is important. However, we recognize that the demands of life sometimes take singers away from choir. If you have to miss some rehearsals you will have no problem catching up when you come back.
A Joyful Noise – monday choir
Format and goals of rehearsals – To Further Develop the Building Blocks and Develop Confidence in Singers
The rehearsals always start with a good warm up where we work on our vocal skills. Through the repertoire the singers continue to work on choral skills and develop their confidence as singers. Each semester you will have the opportunity to share what you have learned with an audience.
Learning opportunities – Weekly rehearsals/Extra Rehearsals/One Day Choral Retreat/Optional Workshops/Talent Night
Besides weekly rehearsals, Monday choir works more intensively as it gets close to concerts through extended rehearsal times and extra rehearsals. Some sectional rehearsals may be offered. A full day rehearsal retreat will be scheduled at some point in the choral year. The retreat is not mandatory but attendance is recommended. Monday choir members will also be welcome to attend the occasional music theory workshops on Wednesday evenings for a nominal fee. A unique feature of Monday choir is the annual Talent Night held in the late winter/early spring, providing you with an opportunity to perform solos or sing in small groups if you are so inclined.
Repertoire – Eclectic and Somewhat Challenging
Drawn from a variety of genres and languages, the repertoire of Monday choir is challenging and fun.
Perform in concerts – Two or More Concerts Per Year
Monday choir will perform in two concerts per year. Occasionally we enjoy having other professional musicians such as guest conductors, vocal soloists and instrumentalists join us in concerts. The choir may also sing in “outreach” concerts (such as in nursing homes and hospitals) and other informal performance opportunities.
Commitment level – Regular Attendance Encouraged/Some Individual Practice Recommended
In order to learn the building blocks of choral singing, regular attendance is important. However, we recognize that the demands of life sometimes take singers away from choir. If you have to miss some rehearsals you will have no problem catching up when you come back.
A Joyful Noise – thursday choir
Format and goals of rehearsals – Continuing Learning and Developing Performing and Ensemble Skills
As we prepare our concert repertoire we continue to refine our choral skills with special focus on performing and ensemble skills.
Learning opportunities – Weekly rehearsals/Extra Rehearsals/One Day Choral Retreat/Optional Workshops
Besides weekly rehearsals, Thursday choir works more intensively as it gets close to concerts through extended rehearsal times and extra rehearsals. Some sectional rehearsals may be offered. A full day rehearsal retreat will be scheduled at some point in the choral year. The retreat is not mandatory, but attendance is encouraged. Thursday choir members are also encouraged to attend the occasional Wednesday evening workshop for an nominal fee.
Repertoire – Eclectic; Increased Level of Challenge
The repertoire for Thursday choir is drawn from classical and popular genres. Singers are constantly challenged and move through repertoire at a high speed. Some musical experience is necessary. This choir generally sings in four parts, and sometimes six or eight parts. It may also sing some repertoire arranged for ladies’ or men’s voices separately.
Perform in concerts – Three or More Concerts Per Year
Thursday choir will typically sing in three or more concerts per year. We are often joined in concert by professional vocal soloists and instrumentalists. The choir may also sing in “outreach” concerts (such as in nursing homes, hospitals, the women’s prison) and other informal performance opportunities.
Commitment level – Regular Attendance Encouraged/Some Individual Practice Required
To ensure membership in the choir is a good experience for everyone involved, regular attendance and individual practice is required. You are encouraged to attend as many rehearsals as possible. We recognize that the demands of life sometimes take singers away from choir. If you are going to be away for an extended time, we ask that you let the conductor know.
Special Event
Thursday Choir sometimes will go on tour – both in Alberta and western Canada and other times travelling and performing internationally. In past years we have enjoyed tours to Iceland, Malta and Sardinia and, more locally, to the Banff Centre and Salt Spring Island, BC.