Battlefords Blend
Like many choruses, it feels like Battlefords Blend has been in hiding since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Plans that were made had to be put on hold while we battled to survive as an organization.
Finally, we have the green light to get out and glow, so we are heading for a busy, music filled season.
The chorus got an early kickoff to the season with a get together on August 27. It was a chance to socialize and share wonderful food. More importantly, it was an opportunity to learn three new songs that will be included in our repertoire for the 2023-24 season.
Regular rehearsals started on September 5 and will continue every Tuesday evening through to the spring. The only exception will be a break for Christmas and New Years. We’ll need all of those rehearsals to be prepared for the full schedule that’s been planned.
To start off, there were guest nights on September 12 and 19. We had only two guests, but it looks like one will be joining our group. In fact, on our second guest night, a new member auditioned to join our chorus. Of course she passed!
Our first performance of the season will be on the afternoon of October 15 at Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford. We will be guests at “Sweeping the Dust out of our Souls” concert, a fund-raiser for the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church.
Next up will be a learning opportunity on November 3 and 4 with guest director Sheryl Brook. Brook is the fun, energetic, knowledgeable director of Hears of Harmony in Red Deer, Alberta. Like many, Brook has moved several ties, but every time she moves, she starts another chorus. Her dedication to barbershop singing has travelled with her since she started with Sweet Adelines International in 1979.
The extra instruction will be a great boost in preparing for “The Elsie Show” at the Dekker Centre, sponsored by Chris Odishaw of Battleford Furniture. There will be two shows in honour of past member Elsie Boulton, on December 10th – one for the public in the afternoon and a special show for Odishaw and his guests in the evening.
While preparing for “The Elsie Show” we will also audition for Telemiracle 48, a Saskatchewan tradition that raises money for the Kinsmen Foundation. The money goes toward helping Saskatchewan people in need of medical help.
When Christmas time comes around, Battlefords Blend will be especially busy entertaining at various care homes, as time permits, plus our annual event at Caleb Village. Once Christmas arrives, we’ll all be ready for a break.
Then it will be back to rehearsals to prepare for competition in Edmonton. In preparation for that, we will have another guest director, Carolyne Oehlerking, coming for some intensive fine tuning.
This full schedule requires a commitment from each of our members. As Chorus president, Andrea Stewart commented, “It’s a big commitment, but the benefits are even bigger. Never before have I had such a group of friends who support each other through life. It’s a wonderful feeling and a great sound!”
It will be a fun-filled musical year for Battlefords Blend!
Joe Carter (above left) is the very lively and capable director of Battlefords Blend Chorus. She has managed to improve the sound of the chorus while introducing music from old classics to Disney specials.
Linda MacDonald (above right) was presented with this gift as a token of appreciation for the many years she served as president of Battlefords Blend Chorus. The presentation was made at our kick-off in August.