Three local choirs continue to share their passion for music throughout Sundre as well as with the neighbouring communities.
“Music connects people of all ages and walks of life,” says Judy Bargholz, assistant director of the Sundre Community Choir, adding, “and it is a powerful social glue. But most of all, we are a team, we work hard, and we have fun.”
The choir recently joined forces with the 2A Community Band to put on a sold-out spring concert called Walking to the Sky on Saturday, April 27 at the Sundre Arts Centre.
The Sundre Community Choir has been around since the 1980s when a handful of people banded together to sing for fun. The group has continued to expand into what it is today: an exciting, 40-voice, skilled choir that sings in four- and six-part harmonies that include a wide variety of musical genres ranging from sacred to folk to jazz, said Bargholz.
Previously prospering under the direction of Jean Dickman, the choir remains strong under the leadership of new director Jen Day, whose motto for the group is “to sing, have fun, and grow musically.”
Accompanists Cheri Jahnke and Kathleen van Mourik also play essential roles in the success of the choir and the ensemble, said Bargholz.
Meeting weekly, the choir welcomes new members of at least 18 years of age. Extensive experience is not a prerequisite to getting involved — while some members read music, there are some who do not, she said.
“It is very inclusive. Near concert time, many members come for extra rehearsals,” she said, praising the dedication of those who commit additional time to improve their musical abilities.
The choir has a varied repertoire and performs year-round at a multitude of diverse functions, she added.
“They share their love of singing while trekking through the Sundre streets carolling, performing at the (Sundre Seniors Supportive Living) lodge, singing at the Remembrance Day ceremonies, taking part in the Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony, travelling to the Festival of Trees in Red Deer, or enjoying shared concerts with the Airdrie and Olds Community choirs.”
This past Christmas season, Bargholz said the choir was honoured to sing the late Myron Thompson’s favourite holiday carols from outside of his home.
“Myron gave us a heartfelt thank you after we were done and said that we had made his Christmas the most memorable one yet,” said member Jennifer Fisher. “‘God bless you all,’ were his last words to us.”
The Community Handbell Choir also enjoys the opportunity to share their affinity for music with the community. It was started by retired teacher Pat Valens at the request of her former students, said Bargholz.
“For more than 10 years, this enthusiastic group has played at school functions, Sundre (Seniors Supportive Living) lodge engagements as well as community concerts,” she said.
More recently, Jahnke assumed the reins as the new director, and the group continues to thrive under her leadership.
“My feeling is that the importance of music is obvious when you see the smiles on the community performers and the audience,” said Jahnke.
The choir has enjoyed ringing at the Sundre Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223 Christmas party, the Seniors’ Christmas lunch hosted by Cremona Country Fellowship, and the Good Friday service recently held in Sundre, said Bargholz.
Members of this group, ranging in age from high school students to senior citizens, are eager to learn new ringing techniques while improving their ability to read and play more difficult music, she added.
The Ladies Ensemble is the newest of the three choirs, having been formed in 2016 under the direction of Dickman. It boasts a musical mosaic of varied interests including classical, folk, sacred, as well as hit songs from the past, she said.
Bringing with them prior experience, members of this group can read music and must either perform with the Sundre Community Choir or ring with the Sundre Handbells, she said.
The ensemble has provided entertainment for Christmas parties at both the Olds and Sundre hospitals, birthday parties at Seasons in Olds, as well as concert rehearsals at the Sundre Seniors Supportive Living Lodge. The group has also performed at local churches, the annual Candlelight Remembrance Services held in December and at local Christmas and spring concerts, said Bargholz.
“Music has a powerful voice,” she said.
“It is our hope that we provide significant moments in our community by sharing our music, and Jean has played a huge role in that regard.”
