Children’s choir preparing for modified season
Group will focus on developing music skills
The Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir will start next season much the same way it ended the last one — online.
Prevented from singing together because of the pandemic, the group’s 70 members instead performed a livestream season-ending concert last month.
Virtual gatherings will continue when the new season begins in September, said artistic director Amanda Nelli. Instead of live performances, the group will focus on developing skills and building connections within the community.
“We created a season that will give the children something exciting to look forward to,” Nelli said. “This includes fun and engaging workshops, meetings with guest artists and virtual performances.
“Normally our focus is to develop high calibre performances. We are taking this year as an opportunity to focus on the process and developing the music skills of our choristers.”
Using the Zoom online platform, choir members will learn small group vocal and theory instruction while taking part in workshops offering theatre, sign language and art lessons.
Even though they may not be in the same room singing, Nelli still very much views them as a choir. She pointed to a statement by Canadian choral conductor Kellie Walsh, who said, “If choir is about teaching and learning, growing, connecting, community, cultural exploration and transmission and innovating — we will find a way to have choir.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with this statement,” she said. “I think kids more than ever need that connection with their friends and their community, and the opportunity to continue to learn, grow and develop their musical skills.” Though a full season is planned for online, Nelli said there can be “modifications” to sing together if provincial restrictions are loosened.
“Either way, the Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir will find creative ways to make music together and to connect with the community in a musical way.”
The choir is for children aged four to 16. To register, go to chorusniagaracc.org.