This program provides the participants with evenings
of music twice a week. One evening our conductor instructs the choir
on singing techniques and methods of musical expression. The other
evening, we enhance our musical knowledge by further studying the
musical fundamentals. On a regular basis, we visit and perform at
senior homes during Chinese Festivals and Christmas Season also
the participants take part in other community events throughout
the year. We also hold annual concerts in June in local theatres
to present our theme of the year.
Program Activities:
At the beginning of our program season each year, the conductor
selects a list of songs for study following a special theme. The
theme for 2007/2008 was A Hearts Odyssey in Song.We included
selections from the traditional to the modern in both Chinese and
Western repertoire. 2008/2009 was the year of our 25th season, we
named our theme as We are made for music, and we studied a list
of approximately 20 of our best songs. In the past, we have selected
music in the honour of composers that have just recently passed
away. This list of theme songs varies from year to year. For the
season (2009/2010) we use the theme Delights in Pairs to compare
and contrast songs in which the same lyrics have been set into music
by two or more composers.
Every Monday at 7:15, we start the choir practice
with warm up exercises for 15 minutes, and then we move into practicing
the songs in our studying list. During each practice session, the
conductor drills on fundamental skills and enhances the musicianship
of choral singing. Gradually our performance improves. Each practice
session is approximately 2.5 hours long.
Every Wednesday at 7:30, we meet for the music
fundamentals sessions. In this lesson, our sectional leader assists
each voice section separately. This is to strengthen each section
so we can perform more effectively when we are in the large choir
group session. This practice session is also approximately 2.5 hours
long.
At the end of the season, a formal choral concert
is planned to share all that is learned with the community. This
event drives all participants to strive for improvements and to
get a sense of their accomplishments. This year we have planned
to hold our concert at the Oakridge United Church.
Vancouver Chinese Singers Small Ensemble:
Members of Vancouver Chinese Singers and others who exhibit dedication
to participate and interest to learn choral singing with various
voice combinations are invited to join the Auxiliary Small Ensemble
for practice every Thursday night. The small ensemble enables members
to experience choral singing in different dimension. This also adds
a different colour and provides variety at our concerts. VCS provides
partial financial support to the Auxiliary Small Ensemble. |