Choirs at Central Okanagan United Church
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Alleluia Singers
Director: Frances Chiasson
Pianist: Jessica Crawford
The COUC Alleluia Singers is a group of committed and connected singers who gather for rehearsal on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to around 8:30pm in the Barnard Sanctuary. They sing a wide range of church anthems for use in worship services (approximately 2-3 times per month) and sing in 4-part harmony (SATB). For more information or to join this group, contact Frances Chiasson.
Gospel Praise Choir
Director and Accompanist: Sylvia Clerke
This choir, as its name states, sings Gospel music, rather than the traditional classical anthems. It is a smaller group which requires singing voices to be very good at blending. Reading music is a necessity as some anthems have more than four parts. The ability to practice at home is an asset. Double vaccinations are required to attend. Practices are held on Thursday afternoons in the Bernard building. Anyone wishing to join will be auditioned.
Please contact Sylvia Clerke.
SongShine Vocal Therapy Group – See below brochure
Women’s Chorus
A fun group of singers looking to learn music in a social setting or expand on what they know. No experience required. Meeting each Tuesday at 11am in Room 14.
Please contact Sylvia Clerke.
Men’s Chorus
Director and Accompanist: Sylvia Clerke
This is a “Men’s Only” choir. They sing 2-part anthems which are not difficult and reading music is not necessary. They rehearse on Tuesday mornings. For more information, please contact Sylvia Clerke.
Children’s Choir
Director and Pianist: Frances Chiasson
This choir is for children in grade 1 and up. Their restart date is unknown at this time, but when they do, they will practice after church on Sunday mornings for approximately 20 minutes, in whichever building the Sunday morning service is held. They sing periodically in church services or make recordings to be played during services. For more information contact Frances Chiasson.
The Alleluia Ringers
Director: Nikki Attwell
The Alleluia Ringers bell choir have been a regular and appreciated part of the worship experience — first at First United Church and now Central Okanagan United Church — since its inception in 2006. Charter members from that time still account for almost half the group. After expanding from their original three octaves to four and then five, we are one of only a handful of five-octave choirs in BC.
The Alleluia Ringers have attended several regional and provincial workshops and festivals sponsored by the BC Guild of English Handbell Ringers (BCGEHR), and in July 2011, attended Canada’s national festival, Ringing Link, in Calgary. In 2016, we attended the International Handbell Symposium in Vancouver. From time to time, we perform at other churches or events or participate in concerts here. Periodically, director Nikki Attwell offers a “Handbell Bootcamp” program that is an excellent way for those interested in joining the bell choir to experience the art form. Contact Nikki for more information.