Knock us down and we'll just get up. Lock us in and we'll find a key. Hinder our plans we'll find a way, To keep our future full of harmony

Last year, in 2021, Westcoast rang in the New Year with a virtual performance of “Go the Distance,” a gorgeous song with the simple message that there is a hero in every one of us and we will, together and individually, get through these difficult times.

Lions Gate Chorus is fortunate to have strong leadership that has kept us moving forward throughout these long months of the pandemic. Our motto has been WEST, We’ll Emerge Stronger Together, and we have!

Adelines love to sing. That is a forgone conclusion. They love to sing in the barber shop style. Another forgone conclusion. COVID has put a great dint in both of those conclusions.

On July 20, 2021, Gateway Chorus held our first hybrid indoor rehearsal back in our home, since the pandemic started.

It's been a hard road of education, over and above what any of us signed up for, but we are enriched because of it. We did it and we sang all along the way – which we believe is our saving grace.

Southern Accord has found a way to do this in real time with something we are calling Car-bershop – a name borrowed from another group. Other choruses are using similar technology but this is our version.

We understand it may be a while before we are able to be back in person but we are so looking forward to it. Until then we will just keep Zooming along

As with every singing group, VITA has not been able to get together and sing in our usual rehearsal spaces (our homes) for nearly a year now. But, like many, we have found ways of getting together, even if we are at a distance.

2020 overflowed with news, information, unknowns, anticipation, rules and new survival skills. It beckoned us to reach deep inside for ideas on how to adapt to our new uninvited environment. We met the challenge – like as if it were a competition (true Sweet Adelines). Consequently, we learned again and that, dear regional sisters, is a goal achieved.

We recorded the latest song we had learned, had it put into a video format and posted it on face book. WOW!!! No, it wasn’t an in-person performance but we loved the result and it felt almost like we were singing together when we listened to the video. It gave our members the feeling that yes, we are still singing and yes, we can share what we love with others.

Virtual choir projects have been a very good distraction while we wait out the pandemic. They have even been an effective membership retention and attraction tool for Gateway Chorus.

We were so happy to be able to agree to the conditions and that we were finally going to be able to sing together! Since “Christmas” is what we do, it simply wouldn’t have been the same without it!

Chance! has changed over the years but the love we have for each other and singing keeps us going…

While Musical Director, Holly-Jean guided, encouraged, and believed in us through innumerable sing-outs, creative shows, and frequent competitions. In many ways Holly-Jean has been the glue for the chorus, always purposeful, directing us thoughtfully, and considerately.

Lions Gate Chorus is doing what we can to keep our members engaged and connected to each other. Like many organizations, we immediately embraced ZOOM technology to host virtual rehearsals. While ZOOM (or the internet really) lacked the capability for us to be able to sing together (and actually hear each other), it excelled in its ability to bring guests from all over the world for a short visit without all the usual trappings of flights and accommodations.

Ghouls, Ghosts and Elections OH NO! But oh yes – even in our Cdn province of BC. But smoke and mirrors did not stop Pacific Edge Chorus who were costumed up and ready to take advantage of every change dropped in their bucket, because 'Ghouls just want to have fun!'.

Southern Accord has reluctantly accepted the reality that Betty Baldwin stepped down as our Director in June of this year. Betty has been a member of Southern Accord Chorus since 1993 when the chorus had its very first rehearsal and in 1998 as the chorus received its charter with Sweet Adelines International (SAI).

WHC have held weekly Zoom rehearsals with consistent attendance.