Champagne Quartet’s Experience with Unmuted in 2021

By Leila Msadek – Lions Gate Chorus

As was no doubt the case for all the members of Region 26, Champagne Quartet was disappointed that Regional competition was not to go ahead in-person for the second year in a row. In 2020, we had polished up our songs, decided on a stage-worthy (yet comfy) costume, and were eagerly anticipating Regional weekend to meet up with our friends, and to show off our new songs in front of an audience. 

We patiently waited for 2021, and although we were disappointed that Regional was not happening, we were happy to hear that a virtual regional convention was planned, and that we had the opportunity to submit a video – “better than nothing” we thought. What we weren’t expecting however, was the impact of the event:  it exceeded all our expectations by creating a new kind of experience – one that was magic, where creativity exploded, where bonds between Region 26 members were reinforced, and where the feeling of community was strengthened.

Even though we didn’t share physical space, we shared an emotional connection between members of the region. Everyone stepped up as a community, whether it be through participation in innovative videos, being part of a creative project or a touching presentation, judging, hosting after-parties or just being an audience member, and it all came together to exceed the sum of its parts. 

The whole process seemed effortless to us as audience members and we loved the variety and creativity of the segments. “It was very well organized, and all the hosts, presenters, and judges, did a great job of keeping us engaged and entertained. I loved the reel that played in the breaks so that we got to see the new members, longevity awards, more than just at First Night”, says our Bass Jennifer. “I was impressed with the creativity and effort put into the videos and by the talent”, says our Lead Iona. “I appreciate all the time that Stacey and her team must have put in before convention even started to have it run so smoothly, and seemed like there were no hiccups during any of it!” says our Tenor Nicole.

Nicole also enjoyed getting feedback from our expert judges: “I appreciate how lucky we are to have five phenomenal judges in our region and to be able to have that feedback. They were willing to give up their time to do that for us! Especially Corinna who is all the way back east!” She also enjoyed some of the added perks of a virtual convention: “I enjoyed that I could eat and drink during the events and that we could make comments in the chat allowing us to "talk" about the performances both during and after”. 

As for me, I was amazed at the strength of the emotional experience that was shared in this virtual event. There may have been some tears shed at my home, there certainly were some shed among the judges and throughout the Region!

Since this kind of event was so successful, perhaps something similar could be considered as a recurring event, even when we do go back to in person competition. As Jennifer says: “Ultimately I would love to keep an annual event like this. It was so educational hearing the instant feedback from the judges, and the fact that they could focus on the positive elements made it very uplifting for the performers.” 

Virtual Regional Convention captured a sense of community, and was truly a meaningful experience for Champagne Quartet as we know it was for the whole Region. A big thank you to all of the organizers, judges, participants and members of Region 26 for a job extremely well done!