It's an unlikely combination: a 20-year-old musician with dreadlocks, J.J. Wagler, who will become a gospel choir leader, a retired but energetic musical theatre director, Linda Norris, who will organize a community choir, and about 45 enthusiastic participants of varied backgrounds wanting to sing gospel derived from African American roots.
"It's an exciting blend," said Norris.
Hallelujah and pass the hymnbooks. The Gibsons Community Gospel Choir is born.
The joy of gospel singing first found its outlet last March when 61 people signed up for a workshop led by Vancouver's composer, arranger and pianist Brian Tate held at Gibsons United Church.
Gibsons resident Lee Haffner was one of those people.
"It wasn't about your singing ability," she said. "He told us to just show up with energy and a desire to sing."
The group loved it, and 45 of them signed on to continue the singing by building a gospel choir that would be open to all members of the community regardless of faith.
With the support of the church and the encouragement of Tate, Norris has recently organized the first step: a fundraiser that would allow the choir to buy the recommended gospel hymn-books. Norris, who has been a choreographer, interior designer, writer and director of her own plays, moved to Gibsons from Ontario with the objective of having a quiet retired life. She's been busy ever since.
Wagler moved to Gibsons from Vancouver last January. Born into a musical family, he studied classical music and focused on guitar at a small college in Ohio before deciding he wanted to experiment more with jazz and aleatoric sound. He considers himself a composer rather than a pianist.
"Music exists in the mind before the fingers," he points out.
He came to Gibsons for some quiet time, too, in order to work on his second CD now in production at the Coast's Strait Sound. But after landing a gig with local musicians Verna Chan and Paul Steenhuis this spring, it's been anything but quiet. He's become the latest musical buzz.
When Norris heard Wagler and his keyboard at a Music in the Landing performance, she was convinced she had found the right person to lead the choir.
Wagler is also confident.
"Being a conductor is not just waving your hands about, but having a musical vision and a sense of direction," he said.
He's prepared to cope if older choir members chaff at having a self-described "punkesque" youth lead them.
The choir is planning An Enchanted Evening of Music, a dinner and entertainment fundraiser next Friday, Aug. 21, at Gibsons United Church Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be prepared by Mike Hesla of Shining Sage Catering. Musicians and singers will entertain throughout the evening: Niv Harris, Amanda Tyner, Edmund Arceo and Greg Soohan among them.
Tickets are $30, available at Gaia's Fair Trade in Gibsons and Monkeychips in Sechelt, or contact Sam at 604-212-2401.
