Choir Notes - Victoria Arion Male Choir

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Choir Notes for Week of May 12, 2025

Thanks for a Great Concert!
Kudos to everyone for putting on such a great concert. It was well-received and we have received quite a few positive comments. Thanks to the great accompaniment by Jennifer and Ion, our guest fiddler Valerie Sim, and to all the soloists, especially Levi and Jennifer.
In addition, the silent auction was a big success, netting the choir $1045. Many thanks to Jim Johnson for organizing this.
One item did not receive any bids. If you know of anyone who would like guitar, ukulele, or piano lessons, please contact Jim Johnson. The lessons must be taken in a month, expire December 31, 2025, and are worth $ 120 but will go for $ 60.

Here is a video link to the first half of the concert. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to capture the second half. This link is private and not to be shared.

Summer Social
Based on responses received so far, the social will be on Sunday, June 22. Details will be forthcoming.

Annual General Meeting
A reminder that our AGM will take place on May 26th at 7 at CBUC. We will need as many members to fill a quorum. Come and hear reports from the Executive and plans for the coming year. Detailed agenda and attachments to come.

BC Choral Federation Silent Auction
We are a member of BCCF and have been asked to forward information about their online silent auction.

Important Links
The Members page on our website
Previous rehearsals videos for reviewing
Events at one of our supporters, the Victoria Conservatory of Music

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Choir Notes for Week of May 5, 2025

Order of Songs for the concert
o It’s a Grand Night for Singing
o The Heather on the Hill
o Memory
o Do You Hear the People Sing
§ Solo by Levi Ross – Stars
o Flight Song
o When a Felon’s Not Engaged in His Employment
o The Pirate King
o Soldiers’ Chorus
o Non Nobis Domine
§ Intermission
o Halo Theme
o Baba Yetu
§ Singalong – Take Me Home, Country Roads
o The Seal Lullaby
o Non Nobis Domine
§ Solo by Jennifer – Tifa’s Theme
o Climb Ev’ry Mountain
o The Wellerman
o Haul on the Bowline
o Leave Her Johnny

Schedule for Saturday
Rehearsal from 10:00 to about 12:00. Call time 9:45.
Concert is 2:00. Call time is 1:30.

Summer Social
If you haven’t already responded, please let me know which Sunday afternoon would be available for you, your family and friends to be able to attend a summer social. We will provide food and non-alcoholic refreshments.
o June 8, 15, 22, or 29
Once we’ve received enough responses we will issue an official invitation.

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Choir Notes for Week of April 28, 2025

Singing the Anthem on Tuesday at Starlight Stadium
Important details from our contact at PFC re singing on Tuesday evening.
As far as tickets go, we will provide each singer a ticket for the match. There are a few different ways to get tickets out to each person. If there are cell phone numbers for each performer that you have, I can text each ticket to their phone. Let me know what you think about that! We can place them all in one account under someone’s name and email, you can let me know if that would be you or someone else, and then that person can transfer them out to everyone who is performing.

Here is a special discounted ticket link for the choir’s community that can be sent out! The tickets within this link are for section 115, which is the same section we will have the choir in, that way we can have everyone together.

For pre-match details, I am just waiting on timing for Canada Soccer, but we will need everyone to arrive around 6:00 PM so that I can walk through the plan with you. I will attach a map of our stadium so it can give you a better idea on everything. We will meet in the corner of the pitch, which is right next to the stage and in front of our Kids Club section (labelled on attached map) by6:40-6:45 so that we can organize everyone prior to walking out on the pitch to sing the anthem. We will lead the group through every step, so it should be pretty simple in terms of entering, placement, singing the anthem, and exiting. Would you like to provide any instrumental music in the background for when the group sings?
The group can come through any gate once they arrive! Gate C is directly across from Canada Rugby and next to Sarah Beckett Memorial playground, this is probably the best one to come through. There is parking available at Belmont High School, which is just a short walk up from Gate C! Gate B is located next to Boulder House and Gate A is located next to City Centre Park.

VCM Summer Choral Intensive – August 18 – 23
A message from Brian Wismath and the Victoria Conservatory of Music

The Victoria Conservatory of Music is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025Victoria Conservatory of Music CHORAL Summer Intensive Program!
This year we are excited to collaborate with the Emily Carr StringQuartet and composer Iman Habibi, who will assist us in preparing a newlycommissioned work. Iman and the quartet will have a special Q&A session forparticipants only to discuss their process and to answer any questions you mayhave!
The theme for this year’s program is “Earth Song,” which featuresmostly music with an environmental connection. Iman’s composition is inspiredby the migration of birds in British Columbia and the impact of deforestation.

To register and for more information, please visit this link. Note that there’s an early-bird discounted rate for those who register by June 1st.If you’re interested in participating but don’t have the financial means, please apply for a bursary.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I look forward to seeing you all in August!

Repertoire

Hear My Prayer – FelixMendelssohn
Ubi Caritas – Maurice Duruflé
Earth Song – Frank Ticheli
Dark & Luminous Night – Ola Gjeilo
Libertango – Astor Piazzolla
The Brontë Suite – Libby Croad * Canadian Premiere
Newly commissioned piece – Iman Habibi

Dates and Daily Schedule

Daytime Choir
Monday, August 18 – Friday, August 22
12:30pm-2:45pm

Evening Choir
Monday, August 18 – Wednesday, August 20
5:30pm-7:45pm

Both Choirs
Thursday, Aug 21
5:30pm-7:45pm (with strings)
Friday, Aug 22
5:30pm-7:45pm (with strings)
Saturday, August 23
10am-12pm (with strings)
3:00pm-4:30pm – dress rehearsal
6:30pm – call time
7:00pm – concert

BCCF Chorfest for Lower Voices
A message from Sarah Starkweather, South Island rep

Lower voices: Anchors Aweigh, May 30-31
The Lower Voice Chorfest “Anchors Aweigh” now has a group rate of $100 pp when 5 or more members of a choir signup.
The first five singers would register at our early bird rate of $130. When their choir reaches a group of 5 registrations they would each receive a $30 refund at the event. Additional choir members would receive a special link from me to register at $100 or can register at $130 and also receive the refund.
Youth16-28 yrs should contact me at sheilald@shaw.ca for the $100 rate.

So far we have singers coming from 12 BC choirs and are looking forward to an amazing musical voyage. Can’t wait to hear the beautiful, boisterous voices raise the roof at our historic Native Sons Hall!

I welcome any inquiries or questions at sheilald@shaw.ca. Register at www.bcchoralfed.com

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Choir Notes for Week of April 21, 2025

You will receive an email to help you send an email to your friends and family about the new concert.
See April 14 notes about the singouts.

We would like to stress the importance of singouts. It is part of our community outreach allowing us to reach people who might have difficulty in attending our concerts and helps to maintain our non-profit standing. Singouts also give us public exposure to a wider audience that might not otherwise be aware of us.
That is why it is so important to have a good a turnout as we can in order to present the best performance possible and present a positive impression.

Video of April 5th Concert
Here is the link to the video of our joint concert.
This shouldn’t be posted publicly or shared widely but shared only with friends and family.

Important Links
The Members page on our website
Previous rehearsals videos for reviewing
Events at one of our supporters, the Victoria Conservatory of Music

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Choir Notes for Week of April 14, 2025

Rehearsal This Monday! Yes, there will be a rehearsal this Monday, Easter Monday.
Do You Hear the People Sing: The song will be sung as straight triplets.

Interest in Doing Solos for May 10
Anyone who is interested in doing a solo for the concert on May 10 including Do You Hear the People Sing, but have not already spoken to Sean, please let him know on Monday.

Ticket Prices for May 10
People may not have noticed that ticket prices for this concert are $ 25 as they were for the April 5th concert.

Singout Dates
Saturday, May 3, 2:00 PM (Call time 1:30) Berwick House, 4062 Shelbourne St.
Sunday, May 4, 1:00 PM (Call time 12:30) Sunrise of Victoria, 920 Humboldt St.
Tuesday, May 6, 1:00 PM (Call time 12:30) Amica Somerset House, 540 Dallas Rd.

*Tuesday,May 6 7:00 PM (Call time 6:30) Starlight Stadium, Langford
(for Pacific FC vs Vancouver FC soccer match)
This was not included in the regular team schedule as it is a special event – a Canadian Championship match. We were asked to sing the national anthem.

Here is the latest entry from Do Some Good to which VAMC belongs

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Choir Notes for Week of April 7, 2025

Songs for Monday, April 14

Please review the songs covered last week and concentrate on the ones that are giving you the most challenges – tricky sections, lyrics, and notes.

Important we have a good member turnout for these!

Possible Singing of Anthems at Victoria Royals Game
There is a remote chance that we will be asked to sing at one of the playoff games at SOFMC. Possible dates and times are NEXT week:
Wednesday, April 16 7:05PM
Friday, April 18 7:05PM
Sunday, April 19 6:05PM

If asked, we will sing BOTH American and Canadian anthems. If we have TTBB arrangements of them then we will practice them beforehand, otherwise we will just sing in unison.
As this is a VERY PUBLIC event (maybe up to 7000 in attendance), it would be in our best interest to put on a good a presentation as possible so we would need as many members to attend. We also get to stay and watch the game!
All this will be confirmed this coming Monday.
We are NOT singing at an upcoming PFC soccer game in May as previously announced. We might sing at a future game in the next season.

Other Important Dates
Annual General Meeting – Monday, May 26, 7:00PM
– Reports from the Board and Sean, Election of Officers, plans for the coming year.
Please try and attend.
Summer Social, June – date and venue to be confirmed
As we missed having a Christmas get-together, this will be a chance for members, friends and family to socialize, get to know each other better, share food and drink, and maybe do some singing.
Further details will be in coming Choir Notes.

Choral Summer Intensive Program
The Victoria Conservatory of Music is offering a Choral Summer Intensive Program from August 18 to 23. Details are on their website, as well as on Facebook.

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Choir Notes for Week of March 31, 2025

A Note from Sean
Congratulations on an excellent joint concert this weekend! I thought each choir, including our own represented themselves well and singing to a full house was great. I enjoyed the variety of the different groups but the combined sound was truly special.
Thanks to the volunteers who supported the concert (especially front of house, slides, risers, and clean up). Thanks to Jim for organizing the social, which was enjoyable.
I’ll share the archival recording with you when I have it uploaded. The sound for our set may be questionable – the sound tech was AWOL during our performance…

Songs for Monday, April 7

Leave Her Johnny
Baba Yetu
The Heather on the Hill
The Pirate King
The Seal Lullaby
Non Nobis Domine

and if we have time probably also

Soldier’s Chorus
Do You Hear the People Sing

BC Chorfest for TTBB, May 30 and 31

Here is a note today (April 5) from Sheila Doncaster, North Island Rep for the BC Choral Federation –

Hello [Victoria] Arion Male Choir,
Just a quick note about the newgroup and youth rate for the Lower Voice Chorfest on May 30 and 31 at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay.
The group (5 or more singers from a choir) and the youth (16 – 28 yrs) rate for Chorfest is $100.and that includes:8 hrs of instruction/singing, the $40 BCCF individual members fee, music tracks, wine and cheese (cash bar), concert performance, coffee/tea snacks, and tons of fun. As of today April 5, you already have 2 singers registered. Just need 3 more for the group rate.
The first 5 members to register pay the early bird rate $130. Once five register they will each receive a $30refund at Chorfest. All additional members can request a link from me sheilald@shaw.ca for the special rate or from a designate from your choir.
Would love to see a super turnout from your choir.
Have an amazing concert this afternoon.

Sheila Doncaster
BCCF North Island

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Choir Notes for Week of March 24, 2025
A Big “Thank You” to Dr. Tyrrell
It was a pleasure to have Kinza direct us on Monday. Not only was she able to confirm things that Sean had pointed out but she also managed to highlight some things that we were able to improve on, all with good humour and much enthusiasm!
Unfortunately, we don’t have a good video of the rehearsal but there are audio files available. The video (sideways!) is also available if you want to rotate your screen to view it!
Here is the link.

Repertoire for April 5
Joint
o Haul on the Bowline
o Flight Song
o Wellerman, The
VAMC Set
o Halo Theme
o It’s a Grand Night for Singing
o When a Felon’s (with Ron Skelton solo)
o Memory (with Stan solo)

Ways to Improve Your Familiarity with the Music and Help Your Performance
In addition to going over your printed scores and noting any tricky passages, please utilize the resources available, in particular the sound files that John Myers put so much effort into producing and to any sample performances.

April 5 Concert Schedule
o 9:00 am – set up (VAMC)
o 9:30 – VAMC Rehearsal
o 10:15 – GVPC Rehearsal
o 11:00 – Joint Rehearsal (3 choirs)
o 11:45 – MoN Rehearsal 45 minutes (lunch break for local choirs begins)
o (lunch break)
o 2:00 – Call time & Doors Open (warm up downstairs)
o 2:30 – Concert
o 5:00 – Social with all three choirs and guests (Details and map in a separate email)

Concert dress: blue choir shirts, black pants (and belts), black shoes, and socks. Choir shirts will be distributed at the end of March. Members will take care of their own shirts for wear at concerts AND singouts.

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Choir Notes for Week of March 17, 2025
Music for This Coming Week
Our guest conductor will be Dr. Kinza Tyrrell, Director of South Island Harmony. Be prepared to work on the following:
o Haul on the Bowline
o Flight Song
o Wellerman, The
o Halo Theme
o It’s a Grand Night for Singing
o When a Felon’s (with Ron Skelton solo)
o Memory (with Stan solo)

In addition to going over the above pieces, be prepared to also be looking at:
o Non Nobis Domine
o Soldiers Chorus
o Seal Lullaby
o Baba Yetu
o Leave Her, Johnny

Please try and attend the next two rehearsals as we are getting close to our joint concert. If unable to attend at least review the recordings of the rehearsals for important instructions.

Choir Shirts
Choir shirts will be distributed this coming Monday (another reason to attend rehearsal!). Some extra shirts will be available for those who had not received one previously.
Shirts should be worn for every singout and performance. These shirts will now be every individual’s responsibility to keep and look after. They must be returned upon leaving the choir. Members not returning shirts will be charged for them.

Important Links
The Members page on our website
Previous rehearsals videos for reviewing
Events at one of our supporters, the Victoria Conservatory of Music

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Choir Notes for Week of March 10, 2025

Men of the Salish Sea concert – April 5th repertoire
Joint songs with Men of Notes and Victoria Police Chorus:
o Haul on the Bowline
o Flight Song
o Wellerman, The
VAMC Set:
o Halo Theme
o It’s a Grand Night for Singing
o When a Felon’s (with Ron Skelton solo)
o Memory (with Stan solo)

In addition to going over the above pieces, be prepared to also be looking at
o Non Nobis Domine
o Soldiers Chorus
o Seal Lullaby
o Baba Yetu
o Leave Her, Johnny

Important Links
The Members page on our website
Previous rehearsals videos for reviewing
Events at one of our supporters, the Victoria Conservatory of Music

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Choir Notes for Week of February 24, 2025

Music for This Coming Week:
o Haul on the Bowline
o Baba Yetu
o Do You Hear the People Sing
o Memory
o Non Nobis Domine
o Flight Song
o Wellerman, The

If you’re unable to make the Monday rehearsal, please remember to check the recording to ensure you are up to date with any special instructions regarding any piece.

Revised Potential Dates for Singouts
These are the revised possible dates that Sean and Jennifer would be available to do singouts. April 13 is out and May 3 has been added.
Your Section Leader has the list so please, if you haven’t already done so, let him know your availability for these dates and times. Not all the dates will be booked as bookings will be dependent on choir numbers.

o April 26 – Saturday morning
o April 29 – Tuesday, early afternoon (1PM)
o May 3 – Saturday afternoon
o May 4 – Sunday afternoon
o May 6 – Tuesday, early afternoon

April 5 Joint Concert
Schedule
o 9:00 am – set up (VAMC)
o 9:30 – VAMC Rehearsal
o 10:15 – GVPC Rehearsal
o 11:00 – Joint Rehearsal (3 choirs)
o 11:45 – MoN Rehearsal 45 minutes (lunch break for local choirs begins)
o (lunch break)
o 2:00 – Call time & Doors Open (warm up downstairs)
o 2:30 – Concert
o 5:00 – Social with all three choirs and guests (Details to come)
Concert dress: blue choir shirts, black pants (and belts), black shoes, and socks. Choir shirts will be distributed at the end of March. Members will take care of their own shirts for wear at concerts AND singouts.

Linden Concert
Linden Singers, directed by Sean, and including David Carl will be having their concert on Saturday, March 8, at 3:00 PM, at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1205 Pandora Avenue. David Carl (B1) has tickets.

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Choir Notes for Week of February 17, 2025

Music for This Coming Week:
o Halo Theme
o Haul on the Bowline
o Leave Her, Johnny
o Baba Yetu
o Do You Hear the People Sing
o When a Felon’s
o Flight Song (we will rehearse this every week until Apr 5)
o Wellerman, The

• If you’re unable to make the Monday rehearsal, please remember to check the recording to ensure you are up to date with any special instructions regarding any piece.

Links to Performances
· You may find listening to performances useful for rhythm and expression. Sean will always make the final decision as to tempo, dynamics, etc. Click to watch and listen:
o Baba Yetu
o Climb Ev’ry Mountain
o Do You Hear the People Sing
o Flight Song * (April 5 concert)
o Halo Theme
o Haul on the Bowline
o Heather on the Hill, The
o It’s a Grand Night for Singing
o Leave Her, Johnny
o Memory
o Non Nobis Domine
o Pirate King, The
o Seal Lullaby, The
o Soldier’s Chorus
o Wellerman, The * (April 5 concert)
o When a Felon’s

Potential Dates for Singouts
· These are possible dates that Sean and Jennifer would be available to do singouts. These singouts are an important part of the choir’s mission and is looked at favourably by sponsors and patrons. Of course they are also very much appreciated by the seniors’ residences.
· Please let your Section Leader know your availability for these dates and times. Not all the dates will be booked as bookings will be dependent on choir numbers.
o April 13th – Sunday afternoon
o April 26th – Saturday morning
o April 29th – Tuesday early afternoon (1PM)
o May 4th – Sunday afternoon
o May 6th – Tuesday, early afternoon

Linden Concert
· Linden Singers, directed by Sean, and including David Carl will be having their concert on Saturday, March 8, at 3:00 PM, at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1205 Pandora Avenue. See Poster.

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Choir Notes for Week of February 10, 2025

Music for This Coming Week for Monday, February 17th. We will be working on the following pieces:
o I Am the Pirate King
o Soldier’s Chorus
o The Seal Lullaby
o Climb Ev’ry Mountain
o Flight Song
o Wellerman

• Practice files for the latter two are available on the Members page.
• If you’re unable to make the Monday rehearsal, please remember to check the recording to ensure you are up to date with any special instructions regarding any piece.

This Season’s Repertoire Updated, In alphabetical sequence (helps to find the piece during rehearsal!):
o Baba Yetu
o Climb Ev’ry Mountain
o Do You Hear the People Sing
o Flight Song * (April 5 concert)
o Halo Theme
o Haul on the Bowline
o Heather on the Hill, The
o It’s a Grand Night for Singing
o Leave Her Johnny
o Memory
o Non Nobis Domine
o Pirate King, The
o Seal Lullaby, The
o Soldier’s Chorus
o Union of Different Kinds (Dropped – Not Performing)
o Wellerman, The * (April 5 concert)
o When a Felon’s

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Choir Notes for Week of February 3, 2025

Music for This Coming Week
• As we had the snow day on Monday, we will try to work on the following pieces this coming week –
o Do You Hear the People Sing
o Heather on the Hill
o It’s a Grand Night
o Leave Her Johnny
o Memory
o Non Nobis Domine
o Soldier’s Chorus
• Please ensure you have copies of these pieces!

BCCF Chorfest for TB Voices in May
• Information from the BC Choral Federation –
“ANCHORS AWEIGH” LOWER VOICES (TENOR/BASS) CHORFEST EVENT IN COURTENAY MAY 30-31/25
Be there when the first ever tenor/bass Chorfest sets sail for the historic Native Son’s Hall in Courtenay on May 30th and 31st. We are excited to welcome clinician Mark Ramsay from the University of Western Ontario to the podium. He has created a delightful repertoire with a balance of styles on a nautical theme. And we are thrilled to welcome YOU to our thriving choral communities of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland. Hunker down with us for a weekend to be remembered. Register now for the early bird rate at https://bcchoralfed.com/anchorsaweigh/
• The repertoire will include several songs familiar to VAMC members –
Gull wind (TB premiere) Robbie Smith/Larry Nickel
Hunker Down Tobin Stokes
Kali’s Song (TB premiere) Martin Donnelly/Donald Patriquin
Fisherman’s Son Jimmy Rankin/Larry Nickel
The Gift Russell Wallace (Lil’wat Nation)
The Stars are With the Voyager Eleanor Daley
We Rise Again Leon Dubinsky/Rankin Family/Stephen Smith

• Sheila Doncaster from Courtenay also sent us this note –
“I wanted to give your singers first dibs on an amazing Airbnb in Courtenay. If they have partners, the facility can sleep 10 people and it is only $400 a night. There are five bedrooms and each of those bedrooms can sleep two, four of them have queen size or double beds. It is exceptionally beautiful and looks out at the glacier and the water. If you do not think there will be five or more from your choir attending then I can pass it on to Chor Musica.”
• Please let Sean know if you are interested.

Silent Auction in May
• We will need extra clipboards for the auction, nine at least. If you can lend one or more please let Jim Johnson (T2) know.

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Choir Notes for Week of January 27, 2025

Updated Spring Schedule
• See the attachment. Take note that we do have a joint concert planned for April 5th with the Men of Notes from Comox and the Greater Victoria Police Chorus.

Music for This Coming Week
• We will be working on the following pieces –
o Do You Hear the People Sing
o Grand Night
o Heather
o Leave Her Johnny
o Memory
o Non Nobis
o Soldier’s Chorus
• Please ensure you have copies of these pieces!

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Choir Notes for Week of January 20, 2025

Payments
· See the attachment from our Treasurer, David Buckman, regarding payments to the choir. Also included is a section on donations!

Help Wanted
· The choir is always looking for volunteers, not only to serve on the Board but also to help with various initiatives. Three projects we would like help on are
o Joint concert on April 5 – planning a social and coordinating possible billets for visiting choir. See Stephen for details if interested.
o Silent auction – for the Spring concert on May10. Helping set up. See Jim Johnson for details.
o Providing ideas and help with the Choral Scholarship Fund. See David Buckman for details.

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Ways to send money to/from VAMC – 2023-4 UPDATE

Whenever you need to send money to VAMC (e.g. Annual Dues), you have several options, as follows:

1. As we are meeting in person each week you can hand in cash or cheques (made out to VAMC) to David Buckman (Bass 2 -Treasurer) at any practice or VAMC event;

2. If you bank with Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union (VAMC’s bank), the cheapest and most secure way is to send an Inter-Member Transfer direct from your account to VAMC’s. Our Membership Number (which you need) is 40533632– don’t forget to tell us who is sending it!

3. Another secure way (especially if you get free Interac e-transfers) is to send the money via Interac e-transfer to treasurer@vamc.ca This goes directly into our Bank Account, with no security questions or other issues. I also get an e-mail telling me who sent it (with your comments);

4. Finally, if you can’t attend a practice, or prefer to mail in cheques, please send them to our Legal Address 2713Avebury Avenue, Victoria V8R 3W5, or to my home at 606 Douglas, V8V 2P8

If you are looking to receive money from VAMC, e.g. to offset an expense you incurred on our behalf, please also note the following:

1. Please first send an e-mail to treasurer@vamc.ca, with a scan (or picture) of the receipt for that expense, along with whatever explanation or backup data our Reviewer might need to verify it;

2. VAMC will write you a cheque to reimburse you, to be handed out at a practice/event, or mailed;

3. In an emergency, the VAMC Treasurer can initiate an Interac e-transfer to your e-mail address, along with a security question. However, each transaction costs the Choir $1.50;

4. If you also bank with Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union, we can do a free Inter-Member transfer to you, provided you give your Membership Number in your e-mail to the Treasurer.

Handling all Donations

As a Registered Charity, VAMC can issue tax receipts (for the year of the donation) to you or any one else,under the following conditions:
1. If you send money to VAMC by any of the methods 1-4 above which is intended as a donation requiring an official Tax Receipt, I will prepare this and e-mail it directly to the donor;
2. You or others can visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/victoria-arion-male-choir/which is our Canada Helps donation site, but please note the following:
a. This can only be used for Donations, as a tax receipt is issued automatically to the donor
by Canada Helps directly, and sent to them by e-mail or by download at year-end;
b. Canada Helps accepts credit cards to process any such donation (VAMC cannot);
c. Canada Helps charges a commission of 3.5-4% for this service, on all such transactions.

Thanks for your co-operation in all this!
David Buckman – Treasurer, VAMC

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Choir Notes for Week of January 13, 2025

Members Page on the VAMC Website
· Many thanks to Ion, our webmaster, for setting up the password protected Members page on VAMC.ca
· As it is a hidden page, here is the link: https://vamc.ca/members/
and the password for the present is: Vamc2025!May

Printing Own Copies of Music
· As there may not be enough official copies of certain songs, if you can print out your own rehearsal copy that would be a big help
· Aside from helping the choir save some money and avoid people having to share copies, you can mark up and highlight sections your personal copy any way you’d like, something that is not encouraged for purchased copies.
· Here is the list of songs for the Spring concert. PDFs are available in the Members directory along with the practice files. Songs for which we do not have enough copies are marked with an asterisk. Copies can also be accessed / loaded onto tablets or phones if that is what you would prefer to use. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to add comments or corrections to an electronic copy.

o Baby Yetu *
o Climb Ev’ry Mountain *
o Do You Hear the People Sing
o Halo Theme * [one page]
o Haul on the Bowline *
o Heather on the Hill
o It’s a Grand Night for Singing
o Leave Her, Johnny *
o Memory
o Non Nobis Domine
o Pirate King, The *
o Seal Lullaby, The
o Soldiers’ Chorus
o Union of Different Kinds [still to come]
o When a Felon’s Not Engaged in His Employment

Video from the Avalon Christmas Concert
· Here is the link to our guest performance at the Avalon Christmas concert –

Silent Auction
· The choir is looking at possibly holding a silent auction at our May concert. Items donated and previously used as door prizes would instead be made available for audience members to bid on.
· If you would be interested in helping out with this project, please see Jim Johnson (T2) for more information.

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Choir Notes for Week of January 6, 2025

Welcome to a New Session!
· Welcome all returning members and a warm welcome to our guests this week. Hopefully our visitors will stay and sing with us this term! And if you know of anyone else who might be interested in joining us, please invite them along.

Keep Donations and Fundraisers in Mind
· After all the entertaining and wining and dining over Christmas and New Years, don’t forget to save your Country Grocer receipts and returnable drink containers for the choir. Also remember to use your Fairway Market Community Card.

Spring Repertoire Samples
We will be putting rehearsal files on our website under a password protected Members page. Until they are ready, here are Youtube links for performance samples of the songs we will be doing –

· Baba Yetu – Baba Yetu – Christopher Tin arr Derek Machan
· Climb Ev’ry Mountain – VAMC Virtual Concert 2021: Songs of Hope and Inspiration
· Do You Hear the People Sing – Do You Hear the People Sing? (from Les Misérables) (TTBB Choir) – Arranged by Ed Lojeski
· Halo Theme – Halo Theme Song – Sheet Music
· Haul on the Bowline – Haul on the Bowline, Sea Shanty arr. Seán Dagher, performed by Seán Dagher, La Nef & Chor Leoni
· Heather on the Hill – VAMC Recording – go to 6:52
· It’s a Grand Night for Singing – It’s a Grand Night for Singing
· Leave Her Johnny – VAMC Recording
· Memory – Memory (TTB Choir) – Arranged by John Leavitt
· Non Nobis Domine – Non nobis, Domine – Patrick Doyle
· Pirate King, The – The Pirate King
· Seal Lullaby, The – Eric Whitacre – The Seal Lullaby
· Soldier’s Chorus – Gounod:Faust / Act 4: Soldiers’ Chorus
· Union of Different Kinds, The – ‘UNION OF DIFFERENT KINDS’ feat Imelda May (Lyric Video) – FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS
· When a Felon’s – When a Felon’s Not Engaged in His Employment

Link to Video of Our Concert

Some things to consider when viewing the video:
· What is the overall impression?
· Do members seem engaged? Having fun?
· Are singers looking at Sean? At the audience?
· How are the dynamics? Varied?
· How is the balance of voices?

Just for Fun…
Here are links to the songs performed by the groups mentioned at rehearsal –
Voces8 and Ringmasters
Ringmasters

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