CanSing

VCS in the Vancouver Hillcrest neighbourhood, began in 2010 and is comprised of 4 youth choirs and an adult choir (all ages) and provides opportunities for youth and adult musical collaborations and music-making.

The choirs rehearse and perform separately at Cityview Church (4370 Sophia St) but one of the highlights is the multi-generational singing that is built into the rehearsal and performance format. Each session creative programming provides for children to perform with adults (many who are parents).

The approximately one hour long performance is built around a big theme. Songs for each choir are chosen from this theme including several mass choir selections which include multi-generational singing with different youth groups and adults and youth. The connection between the singers and audience is also of key importance and for each performance there is at least one audience sing along song that fits the theme.

The rehearsals run for a period of 8 – 10 weeks and then all the choirs come together to perform for each other, friends, family and general public. The finale piece is always a mass choir selection with five choirs performing together. The final rehearsals are an exciting way to grow musically and socially.

The philosophy of the community group is “if you can talk, you can sing.” The program is for people who have had previous experience singing and those who can carry a tune but would genuinely like to learn how to sing. The music is eclectic but chosen from the finest choral songs with a preference to Canadian composers. The development of singing skills and overall musical learning is a key aim along with social interaction.

The sense of community and joy derived from this choral approach has been exciting for both youth and adult singers. In just a few years, the choir has made great musical strides. The full membership has grown from 25 singers to approximately 140 singers per session.

Here are five favourite mass choral selections that have worked well:

All Choirs

We Rise Again arr Stephen Smith

Hallelujah arr Emerson

Land of the Silverbirch arr Gerda Blok Wilson

Light One Candle arr Cormier

Let the River Run arr Craig Hella Johnson

Youth

All the Little Rivers Larry Nickel

Oleana arr Gerda Blok-Wilson

On the Back of an Eagle Nancy Telfer

Yesu Ni Wangu arr Ruth Morris Gray

Path to the Moon Eric Thimann

The Vancouver CanSing (VCS) 2017 fall choir session registration is open! All rehearsals begin Tuesday, September 12th, Cityview Church, the Hillcrest neighbourhood. We welcome new members (youth and adult) who love to sing and perform. Please share via email, Facebook, Twitter, newsletters so the word gets out to people who are keen to sing! To register, see the choirs below and click for information and instructions.

Level 1 (ages 5 & 6) FULL (email gwilson@cansing.ca for wait list)

Level 2 (ages 7 & 8) FULL (email gwilson@cansing.ca for wait list)

Level 3 (ages 9 – 13)

Level 4 CHORthemo (advanced choir) (ages 10 – 17).

*New members need to audition for this advanced choir (see information on website).

Adult Choir (non-auditioned)

The choirs will be rehearsing for the 70 – minute show, TO THE SPIRIT OF SONG, Friday, November 17th, 7pm and will feature thematic songs from the classic, jazz, popular, musical theatre and folk genre. While many pieces are still being selected, the show will feature some fantastic mass choir selections including  Changes (women’s choirs), Stand by Me (men) Bonse Aba (Adult & Chorthemo) Sing (Advanced youth choir) & Kusimama (Mass Youth choirs). The VCS mass choir of 150 voice will perform I Love You/What a Wonderful World. A more detailed list of music repertoire will be sent to registrants at the end of June.

What a delight to see the wonderful work being done here! CanSing is comprised of various choral groups of varying age groups, all of whom sing separately but also engage in multi-generational music-making.  I could not help but be swept away by the spirit of community.  The joy and sense of belonging in the room was undeniable. Dr. Jeanette Gallant

Member of the BC Choral Federation, Choral Canada and the BC Kodály Association

The Vancouver CanSing Youth Choirs will present the musical, TRICK ME ONCE, May 23^rd, 7pm and May 26^th, 7pm, Cityview Church

The Vancouver CanSing Youth Choirs will present the musical, TRICK ME ONCE, May 23^rd, 7pm and May 26^th, 7pm, Cityview Church (4370 Sophia St). Admission is by donation ($10 – $15.00 suggested amount to cover professional fees, rent, choir expenses). The musical play was written by Gordon Long (script) and six original songs by Gerda Blok-Wilson (music) in 2007 and has been performed by youth ages 11 – 18 for schools and communities. The choirs will also perform school shows 10:30am & 1pm, May 26^th.

“Come to a time when the world was just beginning!” Imagine what would happen if that legendary trickster from the Northwest Coast, the Raven, were to come face-to-face with his equally-sly counterpart from the Interior, the Coyote? What would happen if the two of them were entrusted with the weather?  Is there even the slightest chance that they would get along?

Not the slightest chance.

When it comes to messing up the weather, global warming has nothing on these two masters of tom-foolery, when they set out to trick each other, using the weather as their battle ground.  Between the heat and the cold, the rain and the sun, when these two get rolling, nobody has a chance.  Not even the audience!

The show will be approximately an hour in length. We hope to see you!

Vancouver CanSing is a member of the BC Choral Federation, BC Kodály Association and Choral Canada

*I am always so impressed with your performances…Elana Goldberg (General Wolfe Elementary)

*We love your shows! Jessica Wilkes (Van Horne Elementary School)

Vancouver CanSing Adult Choir presents COME SING AND BE JOYFUL, Tuesday, May 9^th, 8 – 9pm, Cityview Church (4370 Sophia St – 5 Mins East from Main & 28^th). Admission is by donation (suggested $15 – $20.00 to cover rent and professional fees). The choir will perform seasonal songs by Antonio Vivaldi, Srul Irving Glick, Larry Nickel, Billy Joel, Harold Arlen and more.

Special guest and returning VCS Choir soloist will be Emmanuelle Lyons, third year UBC opera Singer.

This is the final concert of the season for the adult choir. If you are interested in singing with a choir September 2017, come join our group. We are awesome! Click VCS Adult Choir information

Member of the BC Choral Federation, BC Kodály Association and Choral Canada

www.cansing.ca

Fri, Mar 3, 7 – 7:45pm & Tues, Mar 7, 5 – 5:45pm Cityview Church (4370 Sophia St.), the Vancouver Cansing Level 1 and 2 choirs, Hillcrest neighbourhood, will present LEMONADE and Songs. Everyone is welcome. Admission is by donation. Suggested amount is $5.00 to cover expenses.

The show will feature a few songs from the Level 1 and 2 choir year and a 20 minute musical called LEMONADE by John Jacobsen and John Higgins. Join in the fairytale frenzy when Chicken Little, the a Little Pig, Humpty Dumpty, the Cat with a fiddle, Little Bo Peep, Little Girl Blue and a host of other characters are having a bad day! With the help of a cheerful Mother Goose, they learn to make the best out of life’s ups and downs.

Bring your family and friends!

When the world gives you sunshine, don’t live in the shade. When the world gives you lemons…make lemonade!

Vancouver CanSing Choir, youth and adult, is a member of the BC Choral Federation, Choral Canada and BC Kodaly Association.

Tuesday, February 21^st, 7 – 8pm, Charles Tupper Auditorium (419 East 24^th Ave), the Vancouver Cansing choirs, Hillcrest neighbourhood, will come together to celebrate Canada’s 150^th birthday with the show, CANADA EH.

Conducted by Gerda Blok-Wilson and accompanied by Kevin Eng, the show will feature Canadian songs from the classics (“Psalm 47”, Srul Irving Glick), popular (“Everything I do”, Bryan Adams), musical theatre (songs from Anne of Green Gables and Hair), folk (“Northwest Passage” and “Fogarty’s Cove” by Stan Rogers) and many more. A feature piece, “Winter 1819”, was arranged for VCS Adult Choir by Toronto based recording artist, Paisley Jura and the mass choir selection will be “We Rise Again” (the Rankins).

Bring your family and friends! Come celebrate with us!

Everyone is welcome. Admission is “pay what you can” (suggested amount $10- $15.00/person to cover expenses).

Vancouver CanSing Choir, youth and adult, is a member of the BC Choral Federation, Choral Canada and BC Kodaly Association.

VCS Level 3 choir (ages 9 – 13) has a few spaces for interested singers. Rehearsals for the Winter session’s show CANADA EH will begin Tuesday, Jan 3-17, 6 – 7:15. The songs will include selections from ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, We Rise Again (Rankin family) and Hockey Song. Please spread the word to family and friends!

For information: http://cansing.ca/projects/choir-level-3/

 “What a delight to see the wonderful work being done here! CanSing is comprised of various choral groups of varying age groups, all of whom sing separately but also engage in multi-generational music-making.  I could not help but be swept away by the spirit of community.  The joy and sense of belonging in the room was undeniable. I am impressed by the obvious musical strides this organization has made in a few short year… Bravo!!!” Dr Jeanette Gallant

 “The kids were fantastic – the sound carried so well, even the soloists. And the choreographed numbers were so cute. The adult choir was flawless…. Brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for bringing so much joy to the neighbourhood.” Beth Ringdahl

Member of the BC Choral Federation, Choral Canada and BC Kodaly Association.

The Vancouver CanSing Choirs, Gerda Blok-Wilson and Kevin Eng will present CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR, a short program of seasonal songs and audience singalong, Tuesday, December 13^th, 7 – 8pm, Charles Tupper Auditorium (419 E 24^th).  Admission is by donation ($10 – 15.00 suggested amount). All proceeds will go to the Greater Vancouver Foodbank (no food items please). With each $1 VCS Choirs donate, GVFB can purchase at least $3 worth of nutritious groceries and fresh produce for the thousands of people they support each week. Family and friends are welcome!

Member of the BC Choral Federation, BC Kodaly Association and Choral Canada.

The Vancouver CanSing Choir music has arrived and we already have over 100 people registered in all choirs. It’s going to be another amazing VCS choir season! There’s room for more singers…PLEASE feel free to help get the information out to family and friends. As you know, VCS is a fantastic choir opportunity! “Word of mouth” is very effective (twitter/facebook).

The approximately 70 minute show, CATCH THE DREAM, Friday, November 18th, Charles Tupper Auditorium, will feature songs from the classic, jazz, popular, musical theatre and folk genre. As you’ve already guessed, the theme is about goals and aspirations as well as daydreams and NIGHTMARES!

Back by popular demand, Carly Simon’s Let the River Run will be the mass choir selection (all choirs will join together in singing). All rehearsals will begin Tuesday, September 20th, Cityview Church (4370 Sophia St).  For our performance, we will be trying out a new performance hall (Charles Tupper Secondary).

It’s not too late to register: cansing.ca

CHORthemo, Vancouver CanSing Choir Level 4, is now in its second season and offers singers ages 10 – 16 (both boys and girls) the opportunity to achieve the highest artistic standards in interpretation, movement and singing through the study of quality choral literature in all genres including popular, jazz, folk and the classics. The group is directed by Gerda Blok-Wilson and accompanied by Kevin Eng.

The choir rehearses Tuesdays, 6 – 7:45 at Cityview Church in the Hillcrest neighbourhood. For 2016 – 17, the group welcomes boys with changing or changed voices. Singers will work with voice coaches, professional conductors, choreographers and drama coaches. There are opportunities for solo work if the singer would like to extend their vocal skills.

If you are interested in singing with CHORthemo, the Level 4 audition process will involve:

• Filling out the online registration form including contact info & experience
• Sing “O Canada” and one song of your choosing (a cappella – no accompaniment) – any style is fine.
• Individual voice assessment and placement (checking to place low, middle & high voices)

VCS Level 4, auditions will be Tuesdays:  July 12th & 19th and Aug 23 & 30^th.

“I thought the level 4 singers (CHORthemo) were amazing!  What wonderful progress they have made!  I especially enjoyed “ Sing, Sing, Sing.”   Susan Wagner