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magazine / jf06
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January/February 2006 issue |
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FEATURE
THROUGH THE LENS
Neighbours in song
Three choirs of friends, children and the homeless sing about the joys of making music together
Excerpt of story by Nance Ackerman
Riverport Community Choir
No Experience Necessary is the admissions policy, but listening to the sweet harmonies and
uplifting energy of the Riverport Community Choir, one would think the choristers were
professionals. They are, in fact, architects, teachers, fishermen’s wives and children
and a community of their own. Started about 15 years ago, the choir has, at times, swelled
to an unruly 100 members. Today, 70 or so people aged 8 to 85-plus gather weekly from the
small seaside villages around Riverport to rehearse in the town’s elementary school gym.
The choir has performed to raise money for families who have lost their homes to fire,
to fill the coffers of the volunteer fire department and to send musical instruments to
students in Nunavut. "Sometimes, I come to rehearsal after a bad day, feeling exhausted — mentally
and emotionally," says Ann Moore, one of the choir’s co-directors, "but once
we start singing and you hear the first chorus, it is so healing."
St. Thomas United Baptist Church Junior Choir
Filled with joyous praises for everything from God to peanut butter and jelly, the children
who make up the St. Thomas Junior Choir sing to the rafters, heads held high and hands clapping.
This choir is a life force in North Preston, a small African-Canadian community just outside
Halifax. About 60 children, from 6 to 18, participate in the choir, which offers an alternative
to the streets and a future in song. "This choir brings the community and the parents
together. Children have that effect," explains Novelee Buchan, who has been the choir’s
musical director for the past eight years. Her enthusiasm and love for the kids is infectious.
They laugh and clap as she dances in front of them, pushing each child to do better, to sing
louder. "It makes me feel as if I’ve accomplished something to help children feel music
in their lives. To see the kids step up, get over their shyness and just sing out, well,
it’s pure joy."
For the rest of this story, visit your local newsstand or go to our store to buy this issue.
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