ASSINIBOIA - Life without music would B flat. Assiniboia Community Choir will be looking sharp as they prepare to hold their spring concert, upcoming May 5 at the Prince of Wales Cultural Centre. The event will also recognize four decades for this memorable musical group in Assiniboia.
Carol Marit, choir director, said, “This spring, the Assiniboia Community Choir is excited to be celebrating its 40th Anniversary. It all started in January 1984 when Sandra Oancia, Cheryl Wood, and Gordon Brunt were singing at church and thought how it was really nice to stand beside someone who sang in harmony. They decided to get a few people together and sing in ‘parts’ just for fun. With Gordon playing piano and joined by Darlene Kowalchuk (the only original member still active after 40 years), Lois Matton, Colleen Muench, and Diane Rhodes directing, the Assiniboia Community Choir was born.”
Some have referred to Marit’s role as carol-therapy.
Rhodes has led the choir for a remarkable 29 years. Her mandate is that anyone who loved to sing was welcome to join this group.
The community musical members of this choir have performed for enthusiastic audiences not just in Assiniboia, but have also been invited to perform in Moose Jaw, Regina, and many other towns in southern Saskatchewan. The group maintains these have all been note-worthy experiences.
ACC are proud participants in the annual Assiniboia Music Festival, while also providing an annual scholarship for young musicians for this event. The group are also performers at the Assiniboia Rotary Carol Festival, Wood River Ministerial Advent Choral Festival, in addition to their annual spring concert in their home community.
Marit adds, “We have also participated in several Saskatchewan Choral Federation events that include:
• hosted an Artist in Residence, Evelyn Pfeifer, on salary from SCF for a one-year contract in 1994-1995
• attended SCF workshops in Humboldt and Regina
• performed at Assiniboia Ethnic Jubilee
• performed for the HRH Prince Charles during the sod turning of the POW complex
• sang at local senior complexes
Marit notes that membership was once as high as 57 singers, and over the years participants have ranged in age from high school students to 90 years of age. All attribute their success to the common belief that engaging in music makes you part of something life affirming.
“Joining a choir and singing with other people is a rewarding experience which enhances your sense of community, connection, health, and creativity. The choir has seen many people come and go and remember those who have passed on with fond memories,” affirmed Marit.
Accompanists’ past and present to be recognized are Gail Mergen and Marjorie Hamilton.
Marit has directed Assiniboia’s Community Choir since 2013 and there are currently 16 active members who rehearse on Tuesday nights. The group is always looking for new members to join their ensemble. The choir has given people opportunity to sing choral arrangements in many genres of music, and are open to non-auditioned choir of varying musical abilities open to anyone who shares the love of singing.
The annual spring concert will include performances of many genres of music that include swing, ballad, sea shanty, calypso, spiritual, gospel and more. A freewill offering is accepted at the door and the event will offer an afternoon of music and fun.
“A choir does not arrive at a 40th anniversary without the sustained hard work and commitment of many skilled and passionate people. For these years of magical moments - thank you, Assiniboia Community Choir,” said Marit.
