member choirs in coastal BC, Canada
If you do not see an existing Ubuntu Network choir in your region, but would like to start one (or know someone who might), please consider the
Community Choir Leadership Training (CCLT) program. Many of the directors of Ubuntu Network member choirs have gone through this program.
Victoria
The Gettin’ Higher Choir (Victoria, BC)
directed by Shivon Robinsong & Denis Donnelly
The Gettin’ Higher Choir sings out the simple philosophy that singing is our birthright; an essential activity for personal and community health and vitality. We are not associated with any religion or spiritual path, but seek to embrace and celebrate humanity’s highest aspirations through music, welcoming people of all ages and cultures. There is no audition, and no singing experience is required, just a desire to sing in harmony with others. Mondays at Unitarian Church, 5575 West Saanich Road, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street. 18 week session (scholarships available). 350 members.
The High Noon Choir (Victoria, BC)
directed by Shivon Robinsong
A choir for people who want to sing in the day time. Modeled on the Gettin’ Higher Choir, the High Noon Choir is non-auditioned, and has at its core the belief that everyone can sing. If you have always been a singer you’ll love this choir. If you are new to singing or have been told you can’t sing … this is the place for you. The repertoire is eclectic, including but not limited to world music, spirituals, African freedom songs, various rounds and chants, as well as some contemporary music. No music reading ability is necessary as much of the music is learned in the oral tradition. Tuesdays, noon–1:30pm at the Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street. $100–$80 (sliding scale) for 12 week session (scholarships available). 50 members.
Inspirata Women’s Choir (Victoria, BC)
directed by Connie Lebeau (CCLT 2005–06)
This is a non-auditioned women’s choir with a repertoire from baroque to folk, singing for joy and to raise money for women in need at home and abroad.
Super Soul Sister Women’s Choir (Victoria, BC)
directed by Connie Lebeau (CCLT 2005–06)
This is a non-auditioned women’s choir with a repertoire from rhythm & blues and motown to pop singing and choreography. A portion of funds raised go to the local homeless population.
Beatboard (Victoria, BC)
directed by Mike Sheehan (CCLT 2004–05)
The Beatboard is a Youth Leadership, New Media and Contemporary Arts Education Organization. We design and deliver a wide range of programs which include interactive stage shows, workshops, leadership trainings, life skills development programs, staff development programs as well as multi-day community events. A central theme to Beatboard’s work is exploring positive solutions to youth related issues using music, theatre, visual art, games, activities, forums and discussions. Material from Beatboard workshops often spark the creation of youth driven performance pieces. Our presentations and workshops are meaningful, fun and full of energy. Music Programs include: Songs for large groups (Bring community together in song at conferences, in choirs or anywhere); Vocal Improv (A series of fun and easy structures where groups connect through voice in playful, melodic, and rhythmical ways. If you have a voice you’ll have fun in this workshop); Beat Factory (One third singing, one third rapping, one third body percussion. Choirs will never be the same); and Diversity through Hip Hop (Workshops and multi-day programs with a focus on youth empowerment, team building, leadership, and Hip Hop).
Sacred World Song Project (Victoria, BC)
directed Nancy Watters, M.A. (CCLT 2004–05)
“Music for health and spiritual transformation.” We are a growing network of people, from many spiritual paths, who practice the ancient art of communal chant. We gather regularly to sing beautiful, melodic chants and sacred songs from around the world. Chanting is an alchemical spiritual practice that develops deep joy. It’s your soul’s voice; a ladder to Divine realms. Come participate in a way that is comfortable for you — listen serenely, clap along, hum, dance or sing your heart out. No experience is necessary; all voices are welcome. Nancy offers community chant circles, chant workshops, concerts, chant festivals, and private sound healing sessions.
“Giving Voice” women’s community chorus (Victoria, BC)
directed Linda Mills (CCLT 2006–07)
Giving Voice is an inclusive, deliberately alternative community-style chorus for women in Victoria and region. It is based on the absolute belief that Everyone Can Sing, that this is the natural human state. Learning music can be fun, joyful, and healing, and the harmony you sing can also nourish your soul. New members are always welcome — there is no audition, and no singing experience is required — just a desire to sing with others in a fun, relaxed and accepting atmosphere.
Giving Voice provides a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive setting for women to find (or re-find) their own voices, and to experiment with Giving Voice to the strength, energy and joy they find within. This chorus provides opportunities for singers to Give Voice to their concerns for the Earth and for social justice, and to the yearnings of their own spirits. It is also our intention to be a Giving Voice to worthy causes in the local and international women’s communities.
Heartbeat Music Circle (Victoria, BC)
directed Julie Spooner (CCLT 2006)
Music opens the heart and re-enchants the spirit. My circle welcomes the Sidney community into the world of music, joyful expression and movement. Our ‘Yoga’ studio is a beautiful space to experience our world songs. We learn songs of peace, gospel, folk, chants, and rounds in a non-sectarian grounding. Our music honours our ancient spiritual teachings. We meet in the afternoon on the last Sunday of each month from September to May. Join us in gifting of ourselves through harmony and music.
other Vancouver Island
Cowichan Valley Song Circle (Duncan, BC)
directed by Cari Burdett (CCLT 2006–07)
EveryVoice Singers (Errington, BC)
2008–2009 sessions directed by Shirley Whitelaw and Cyndi Jackelman
Since it’s inception in 2000, we have had many wonderful and gifted choir leaders all supported/trained by Shivon Robinson and Denis Donnelly (
Getting’ Higher Choir, Victoria) and more recently from the
Community Choir Leadership Training Program. We are a non-audition choir, and strive to provide a safe and loving environment for people to explore their own voice, and through simple call and response teaching, have them quickly able to sing joyful uplifting songs in ‘harmony’. The music we sing is mostly considered world music which includes spiritual, African and some contemporary — as well as many rounds, chants etc. We have supported and lent our voices to many charities; Brown Property, Child Haven International, Errington War Memorial Hall, etc. Wednesdays at the Errington Hall. Please call for more information.
Get Inspired Choir (Nanaimo, BC)
directed by Sylvia Wende (CCLT 2005–06)
Would you like to: Explore and strengthen your voice? Sing songs from all over the world? Play with harmonies? Try different parts? Have fun? Come sing for the joy of it! Every voice welcome!
Join us for an interactive, fun-filled adventure in a comfortable setting where exploration is not only encouraged but mandatory. Re-discover the joy of making music — singing various songs from many cultures while playfully learning about harmony and sound. The main ingredient of our repertoire is celebration! No auditions, or need to read sheet music, and no experience necessary … simply a joyful spirit and a desire to sing. Every voice is welcome. Experience the benefits of singing — its impact spills over into every aspect of our lives. Come get inspired! Read more…
“Just Sing It” Singers (Port Alberni, BC)
directed by Craig Ellis (CCLT 2005–06)
Just do it! Come join this fun group who sing just for the joy of it. Songs from the international community in harmony. No experience necessary. Just show up or call. 5100 Tebo (old Klitsa School, East entrance). Mondays 7–8:30pm. 14 week session. $98.
“Just Sing It” Singers (Qualicum, BC)
directed by Craig Ellis (CCLT 2005–06)
We’ll be having a “big sing” style event following the 14 week session with the two groups (Port Alberni and Qualicum). Monday 10–11:30am at Rotary House (Fern and Beach). 14 week session. $98.
Letz Sing (Comox, Courtenay, and Black Creek, BC)
directed by Tina Filippino (CCLT 2004–05)
The Letz Sing Choir, which meets in three locations in the Comox Valley, is committed to gathering weekly to share the experience of singing in harmony. The only prerequisite to joining this choir is a desire to sing with others. Whether you are a seasoned singer looking for a place to raise your voice, or you have never sung in a group before and had always wanted to, your voice is welcome in this choir. At the Letz Sing weekly singing sessions you will acquire a repertoire of songs from a diversity of origins and inspiration. Words, melodies and harmonies are learned methodically in a step by step fashion in the oral tradition of call and response. Each session will include warm-ups for the voice and the body, the introduction of new material, as well as time to sing favorites from a growing repertoire of familiar songs. There is no commitment to perform with this choir, rather every term there is a “Big Sing”, a casual but exciting Sunday afternoon where choir members from all choir locations gather. On this day the energy of the complete Letz Sing Choir Community raises the rafters with the melodies and harmonies they had been learning in their separate locations throughout the term. Those interested in coming together to experience the joy of voices joined in harmony are encouraged to come try it out! All voices are welcome in this choir! Late starts prorated, sliding scale available.
Gulf Islands
BodySongs (Salt Spring Island, BC)
directed by Ella Topaz (CCLT 2006–07)
A non-auditioned, community oriented choir, open to all, regardless of your perceived ability to sing, or not! A focus on body-centered, natural voice techniques and vocal improvisation. Repertoire includes easy to learn chants, rounds and 3 and 4 part harmonies drawing on world music traditions and contemporary songs. Most songs are taught in the oral tradition. Intention is to support ourselves and one another, locally and globally through singing together, creating beauty and harmony to “feed Spirit”. Please contact me for information on choir times and dates.
Full Circle (Salt Spring Island, BC)
(250) 653-4186
directed by Barbara Slater (CCLT 2006–07)
Singing comes naturally to all of us. It is our right to express emotion through song. We have been isolated in this culture because of star syndrome and a hierarchical view of music, when truly, music is a community expressing itself! Think of birds and frogs and crickets! Oral tradition,non performing, promotes health and well being, community building, no experience necessary. Mondays & Thursdays 7:30–9pm at 705 Beaver Point Road. By donation, on drop-in basis for now.
Heartsong Women’s Choir (Gabriola Island, BC)
directed by Jen Turner (CCLT 2004–05)
We are women of all ages, from in-the-shower-only singers to experienced performers. We sing mainly chants from different traditions and sources, as well as Jen’s (and other choir members’) compositions in 3 and 4 part harmony. The Choir is a magnet for the powerful and beautiful women that Gabriola attracts. Lots of fun and laughter in the process of creating an astoundingly gorgeous sound. Bursaries available. 30 members.
Denman Island Community Choir (Denman Island, BC)
(250) 335-0559
directed by Kathy Rieder (CCLT 2005–06)
We’re about the joy of singing in community. At past performances, we have raised funds for an orphanage in Tibet, and for local Christmas Hampers. Tuesdays 7:25–9:00pm at the Denman Island Community School. $30 for 10 weeks. 10–20 members.
mainland
The Roberts Creek Song Circle (Roberts Creek, BC)
Women’s Song Circle (Gibsons, BC)
directed by Karen Stein (CCLT 2004–05)
In these Song Circles, we seek to create joyful community through song. Within this safe and encouraging environment, we reclaim our voices and discover our intuitive harmonies. No previous singing experience is required and no audition necessary. Our song repertoire is uplifting and celebrates global awareness. All are welcome. The two Song Circles continue to donate all proceeds to the education and medical needs of girls in Western Kenya.
Local Vocals (Vancouver, BC)
directed by Anna Baignoche (CCLT 2005–06)
Let Local Vocals be your travel machine! From Cuban son to an Irish Ballad, Ray Charles to The Beatles. Anyone can sing, everyone welcome, no auditions! Mount Pleasant Community Centre 3161 Ontario Street. (West 16th Avenue and Ontario) Downstairs (follow the signs). Thursdays, 7:30–9:30pm. $100–$120 sliding scale (scholarships available) for 14-week session.
Acapellaboratory (Vancouver, BC)
directed by Patti Powell
Come together and make something bigger than just the turn of rhythm, harmony and words. Singing can change the world. We’ll sing acapella music of all cultures, sacred and not-so-sacred. All are welcome.