Our virtual rehearsals, all 60+ of them, led by our indomitable director Anne Downton, continued right through to the end of July 2021, with only a couple of holidays to relax and rejuvenate. Then we met in person, live, in the parking lot of our rehearsal hall.

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

For us, Zoom has added another dimension to rehearsals, particularly in education (didactic) and analysis. Emma has presented many relevant topics at a micro level virtually.

In an Organization that is 75 years old, as viewed from a Chorus that has 65 years of history, Legacy becomes a word that has tremendous meaning.

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.

Vernon Kalamalka Chorus has been getting together for rehearsals since March 18. We invested in a sound system and FM transmitter and so we’ve been doing car rehearsals.

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

Westcoast was so excited to ring in the New Year of 2021 with the launch of our latest, and so far greatest, virtual performance of “Go The Distance.” This song is a simple message that there is a hero in every one of us and we will, together and individually, get through this difficult time.

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.

Congratulations to Magic City Chorus’s milestone longevity members.

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.

The Peace Arch Chorus alternates weekly zoom rehearsals between Education and Social. Education ranges from some on-line coach resources (eg Kathleen Hansen) to PAC Director Emma presenting her own power point material on vocal skills, Swing beat etc.

We hope everyone is keeping strong and doing their best to stay together in these unusual times. “Staying Strong Together’ has been the mantra we have adopted here at WHC and despite so many barriers in the current situation, we truly are feeling strong and together.

On October 9 Chinook Winds Team Leader, Susan McLean, and Membership Chair, Cynthia Strem, travelled around Calgary and distributed achievement awards and certificates to deserving members.