Battlefords Blend
Battlefords Blend singing at Villa Pascal for the residents and staff there.
Battlefords Blend is taking a break from competition in 2025, but that doesn’t mean we’re sitting back doing nothing.
This fall we’ve been busy with so many things. An A Capella Adventure introduced people to the art of singing without accompaniment and with a lot of enthusiasm. It was well received and generated some interest in our chorus.
In October we had a workshop led by the amazing director of Magic City, Cheryl Pearce. It was a great time to have her come out as we were preparing for “Magic Blend”, a joint show with Magic City and Battlefords Blend. Cheryl sure helped us prepare for the show. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate and the decision was made to postpone until May. It was the right decision for the safety of everyone involved.
In preparation for the Christmas season, we were able to entertain the residence at a local care home. The residents enjoyed the show and a retired musician (do you ever really retire from music?) gave us his opinion of our performance and encouraged us to continue. His high praise was encouraging, especially as some of us had known him as an amazing organist and choir director.
Preparing for the Magic Blend show also prepared us for an event at North Battleford’s Frontier Mall where we were invited to take part in a seasonal show in early December. Others involved in the show included pianists, vocalists, other musicians, several members of a dance group and a poet. It was much appreciated by those in attendance.
Next came the Carol Festival, an annual event with a great variety of musical numbers. Here we sang a gorgeous version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, which was arranged by our director, Jo Carter.
We took a break over Christmas but started out strong in 2025 by recording a performance for TeleMiracle 49. This is a special telethon that raises money for the Saskatchewan Kinsmen Foundation. Money raised goes to help people with medical expenses that can get help nowhere else. All the money raised is for the people of Saskatchewan.
Next up for us is another charity event, this one even closer to home for us. Swinging with the Stars is a new initiative for Battlefords Union Hospital. It was so popular last year that the tickets for 2025 were sold out quickly and another date was added to accommodate those who wanted to attend. We will be singing for the opening of the first night.
Through all of this, we are still preparing for Magic Blend, which was rescheduled for May 24 and 25 in Saskatoon and North Battleford respectively.
In addition to this show, we will be adding songs to our repertoire and generally improving what we already do well. We will continue to meet the SAI challenges and also try to increase our membership.
From all of us to all of you – all the best in 2025.
News Flash! February 11 - Exciting news tonight as Mya Bailey (left) and Julie Anderson both passed their auditions for Battlefords Blend!! What a thrill to have these two youngsters join our chorus.
