The Gospel Choir that grew and grew has conductor Lynne Dickson excited and a bit baffled.
“It just fell into place so easily,” Dickson said. “I started a ‘choir for the terrified’ in September for those who have always wished to try singing in a choir. I expected about 12 people.”
She and her musical partner, husband Reg Dickson, decided to invite an acquaintance, David Thomson, to take part because he had sung in choirs for years, and was now living at Shorncliffe care home without access to choir rehearsals. He accepted and when he phoned the Dicksons back he announced that he had another seven people who were also interested in singing.
Because Reg performs regularly for residents at Shorncliffe, he knew many of the residents by name. They would arrive at choir practice along with their caregivers, some of whom also decided to join in the singing. Lynne had recently taken part in a 90-member gospel choir in Vancouver, the Good Noise, and when she presented gospel music for repertoire to the new choir, it was much to everyone’s liking. Other singers from all over the Coast joined because of their interest in gospel music. Soon the choir had grown to 40 people.
When Music Makers held their annual concert recently, the stage was full with the Music Makers adult choir plus the new Gospel Choir – 75 singers on stage with those members in wheelchairs in the front row. Lynne is clear that it’s not a Shorncliffe choir – the interaction between members and residents is what makes it so exciting. It’s a community choir for the enjoyment of gospel music, she said.
She gives much credit to Lissa Parry, activities co-ordinator at Shorncliffe, for getting everyone at the residence geared up for singing. Parry told Coast Reporter how happy and proud she was of the residents who sing in the choir.
“They’re so proud of themselves too. They open up,” she said. “When they return from choir practice on Mondays they are more talkative and more interested in life.” She sees the residents as becoming part of the community, avoiding isolation.
Though the first whirlwind season is over, Lynne Dickson will be leading the group again starting in February. For more information about programs offered, see www.music-makers.ca
