Join Our Choir!
Singing in the time of COVID
In the 2021–2022 season, we have been pivoting between virtual and hybrid rehearsals, as public health conditions permit.
What are virtual and hybrid rehearsals, you may ask?
Last year we sang entirely virtually, over Zoom. We learned how to sing our parts with microphones muted, listening to recordings with full-choir harmony. We had sectionals, guest clinicians, and workshops on music-related topics offered by fellow choir members. We made a couple of virtual-choir recordings (see Listen to Us) and a full-length concert video. And we even managed to hold virtual potlucks and other social events!
With hybrid rehearsals, we have the conductor, pianist, and a reduced number of singers all in one space. The rest of us are at home on Zoom, but now we’re watching and hearing Isabel conduct a live group of singers, instead of singing along to a recording. Zoom participants can turn on their microphone to ask Isabel a question and to socialize during the break.
In November 2021, we started hybrid rehearsals at the beautiful space at Asbury and West United, shown above. All in-person singers are fully vaccinated and distanced and wear singers’ masks that we provide. We constantly monitor the air exchange rate in the space, using a CO2 monitor, and we are confident that our safety protocols provide a reasonably safe environment. We’ve now returned to our longtime rehearsal home at St. Leonard’s Anglican church. For the 2022–23 season, we hope to be fully in-person, though we may continue offering the hybrid option for those unable to attend in person.
Sounds great! Can I join?
Yes! We recommend that you sit in on a rehearsal to see if it’s a good fit. Experienced singers may then book a friendly audition with our music director. Those who are not ready to audition may join our Choral Development program for additional training and mentorship.
Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings, 7:30 to 9:35.
Contact us to find out more!
Still accepting new members in all voice parts!
What to expect in a regular year
We normally rehearse Tuesday evenings at St Leonard's Anglican Church, 25 Wanless Ave., just north of Lawrence Ave. off Yonge St., close to the Yonge/Lawrence subway station.
We are expected to practice the music at home and attend at least one sectional per term. We sing in many different languages and provide recorded pronunciation, which members are expected to work on outside of rehearsal time.
We also have at least one Saturday retreat, working on music in more depth, with sectionals and a guest clinician. The intense focus of the day is broken up by a fabulous potluck lunch, and we often finish with a fun workshop.
We normally present three concerts a year, with additional community appearances at long-term care homes, community centres, and the like. Concert dress is all black, with a solid-coloured scarf or tie.
What else do I need to know?
We are a welcoming and inclusive group. We are committed to values of equity, accessibility, artistic excellence and community building.
Pre-Covid rehearsals included time for socializing and refreshments (often home-baked!) at the breaks. During the pandemic, we occasionally get together to sing in someone’s backyard (masked and distanced).
Dues
The annual dues are $250, waived for university students. A sliding scale is available upon request.