Benefit concert sends scouts to Canadian Jamboree

More than 55 vocalists sing their hearts out at From Sea to Sea on May 8

Benefit concert sends scouts to Canadian Jamboree

More than 55 singers will be singing their hearts out at From Sea to Sea on May 8, a benefit concert for 2nd Fort Victoria Scouts. Some of the singers will be scouts but the majority will be comprised of singers from The Crystal Singers and Encore/Maestro of Sing Victoria.

All of those voices will present an evening concert at St. Mary’s the Virgin Anglican Church on Elgin Street. The Crystal Singers are a women’s choir comprised of women of all ages and backgrounds. Their common goal is sharing their music with the community at large. Their voices are often heard art seniors’ residences, care homes and other community events.

The Encore and Maestro Sing Victoria is made up of singers from ages five to 18. The young singers experience the joy of making music together and sharing the love of singing.

Both of the choirs like to benefit the community in some way through their performances. This spring the recipient of the choirs’ effort will be the 2nd Fort Victoria Scouts who are fundraising for the Canadian Jamboree (CJ’17) taking place in Nova Scotia from July 8 to 15. The local scouts will be hosting and doing front of house for the concert.

Kate Mooney is one of the 11 scouts who will be travelling to the jamboree. She likes scouting and the different aspects it brings to her life.

“I definitely like the camping trips,” she said. “You learn practical outdoor stuff, leadership skills and First Aid courses are offered.”

The choirs will be singing a number of Canadian folk songs representing both shores of the country. the sea and the spaces in-between. The choirs have never sung together before and they have a couple of songs featuring all of the singers.

Marnie Setke-Mooney, conductor for the choirs, said what she loves most is the community working together on a project such as this. Everyone is volunteering and St. Mary’s has generously donated the space. Both the Scouts and the choirs share similar values of working for the community.

From Sea to Sea takes place May 8 at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation.

Oak Bay News