by Jo Barnes –
There’s nothing like the sound of a friend’s voice. For one local choir, it is their voices which solidify their friendships.
The Peninsula Singers, under artistic director Lena Palermo-Ivings, have been continuing to find music as a wonderful way to connect with each other and with the greater community during this time of pandemic. “The members of Peninsula Singers have been working hard to keep the connections going right now,” shares Lena. “Choir is very important to them.”
With the arrival of COVID, like many performing arts groups, the Peninsula Singers has had to cancel events and readjust their activities.
“In March we were heavy into rehearsals for our big production ‘Hooray for Hollywood,'” says Lena. “We have had to put it on hold with the hope of performing it in 2021.”
Due to the pandemic it hasn’t been possible for the group to meet in person, so new ways of communicating, supporting each other and being musically creative have been adopted. As well as reduced membership fees, there have been increased online opportunities for choir members to socialize and keep in touch during these unique times. “We’ve stayed connected through Zoom,” says Lena. “We also share with each other via our Facebook private group page.”
Social media provides a way for members to share about the choir, music, personal stories, and even outreach projects that members might be doing right now. “One of our members is part of a knitting group, and she has been making buttons for facial masks,” notes Lena.
Prior to COVID, the choir had been working tirelessly to prepare the spring show. When it was cancelled, the disappointment was felt by everyone. To maintain continuity and enthusiasm, online options were explored. “During April and May we created a virtual choir performance of Over the Rainbow,” shares Lena.
The group is hoping to do another virtual song in September, and while the annual Christmas extravaganza cannot go forward at the Mary Winspear, plans are underway to put together a very special online Christmas show. “We are unable to do our Christmas show ‘The Gift of Christmas,’ but we are going to do a virtual choir production that will be a five-song set of festive pieces,” says Lena.
Preparing and collaborating virtually is a learning curve for any of us, but in the case of a singing group, it involves its own challenges related to voice recordings. “We meet in small groups over Zoom. Members record separately and then we do the final editing,” says Lena, adding with a smile: “I’m learning new technology!”
Dedication and desire drive this choir forward during these challenging times. The continuity of connection is at the core of this local choir group. It has always been about learning, working and creating music together.
“The people in this choir are passionate about what they do,” shares Lena. “They work really hard to put together a polished performance.”
For some choir members, involvement in this musical ensemble is a commitment they have made and enjoyed for many years.
“Our members range in age from 18 to 85. Some are 30-year members,” says Lena.
In addition, presentations are possible because of diverse talent like emcee Jim Kingham, who will be singing in the virtual choir; Janet Young, who capably accompanies everyone on piano; Terry Erskine, who provides skillful percussion; and of course Lena, whose enthusiasm and artistic direction inspires each and every choir member to give their best.
The Peninsula Singers is deeply rooted in the community. When it began in 1980 there were only a small number of participants who came together because they loved singing. Fast forward to 2020 – the group has grown into a 68-mixed-voice show chorus who not only regularly wow audiences with their music and showmanship but also give back to the community. As Lena notes: “Over the years the Peninsula Singers have donated $50,000 to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation’s Music Therapy Program. We have also performed for extended care residents.”
The Peninsula Singers’ tradition of bringing energy and excellence to their performances contributes to the well-being of the community.
“The music we create brings joy and positivity to the world,” says Lena. “The sound of voices together is inspiring.”
For over 30 years the Peninsula Singers have connected with audiences through song, but now more than ever, it’s their voices and love of music that binds them together.
Photo courtesy Peninsula Singers.
