Our ‘Some Knights Extravaganza – Show and Feast’ finally happened on Nov 12/2022 and what a Knight! After 3 years of cancelations, we dared to offer an over-the-top, elaborate indoor event of dining, dancing, games and show with all the bells, whistles and trimmings of a medieval era. Even our guests were dressed elaborately in medieval era costumes. Feeling a bit rebellious we offered our castle hearth of fire to the public at a time when the world was just climbing out in cautious uncertainty, but the whole event went off like a boisterous canon of the era. Chairpersons Bonnie Dennis and Sue Rees were celebrated by all of us.

No time was wasted getting together to develop a plan for the international stage in Louisville Kentucky this fall. We began with a coaching session produced and delivered by our very own director, Julie Smith, and competent Pacific Edge Music Team on Nov 25, 26/2022. Directly following, we held our annual Chorus Christmas Party at the Malahat Chalet. Wine, Women and Wondrous 4-part harmony filled the top of ole Malahat Mountain that night. There was much to celebrate.

Queen Anne Downton, Director of Westcoast Harmony started off our new year adventure on the road to Louisville on Jan 24/2023. Anne’s excitement and energy coupled with her nonstop vocal movement concept of up, over and out-flow has kept us busy applying it to all our songs ever since. We’re happy to know that Anne will be visiting us again before contest.

Sandy Marron ‘Riser Whisperer’ and director of Lions Gate Chorus shared her skill and expertise on her visit Feb 10, 11/2023.  Side by side our Director Julie Smith and Sandy began a riser voice placement reconfiguration. We expect a few tweaks as new voices are added, and skills develop.  Sandy applied her ‘Music Wizardry’ to passages of our contest songs, and as we weaved them into our tale, the extra warmth and sparkle from Sandy and Julie’s cohesive relationship with music, brought emotional tears.

On Feb 7, 2023 we hosted a ‘Pacific Edge Open House’ to extend an invitation to the musically inclined in our island communities. Typically our membership drive would happen in the fall, but we’ll be too busy in Louisville then😊 Our Membership Chair, Suzanne Adams-Barrie, says we picked up two(2) members from that event. That makes a total of four (4) new members since our Oct 2022 MLX update. 

What would a Sweet Adeline contest be without a team of light-hearted supportive members to lead into battle. Fran Errington had no problem rallying a team of creative women to do just that. Gwen Foster and Nancy Townsend joined Fran and formed the Pacific Edge ‘Cheer Squad.’ Their weekly enthusiasm, support and chants give us a boost before we get to work.

The Cheer Squad extended themselves beyond contest focus. Gwen suggested an inclusive program where members acknowledge members on a weekly basis for their contribution in the chorus. Thus ‘Unsung Heroes’ was installed. Members place names and descriptions in a miniature ‘house’ (box). Just before we get to work, we draw, announce, and read the description of the members’ value to our chorus. The acknowledged member gets to wear the prestigious ‘Unsung Hero Banner’ for the night. Thanks to Cathy Crawford for the beautiful homemade banners. The Unsung Heroes program is a mighty gesture that says ‘your contribution makes a difference’ to us.

With Regionals almost here, we are so proud to mention our Carol Poole Spirit nominee, Bev Price. As well as an Unsung Heroes acknowledgement, she was overwhelmingly recognized for her contribution over the years as one who steps forward to take on anything that needs doing in chorus and at our events. As chair of our costume committee, she and her committee have transformed a basic tunic into elegant work of art through her vision – Bev is definitely a work of art herself.

Pacific Edge Chorus, Maple Leaf Express Team

Barbara Denbow
Norma Ritchie