Choir celebrates decade of song

EveryBodySings, a community singing circle, celebrates its 10th year in Nanaimo

EveryBodySings, a community singing circle, celebrates its 10th year.

In the fall of 2001, founders Cyndi Doell and Shirley Whitelaw started teaching unaccompanied world music to Lantzville students, followed two years later by a second group in downtown Nanaimo.

None of the groups are performance-driven, although the singers occasionally like to share their songs and joy with the community, and these sing-outs are completely voluntary.

Doell and Whitelaw believe that singing is for everyone, fun and stress-free. Everyone can sing, some just haven’t found their voices yet. By providing a supportive and fun learning environment, EveryBodySings aims to give people confidence in their voices.

All songs are taught by ear and participants don’t need to read music or be an experienced singer. Songs are chosen from a wide range of material including traditional folk, global, gospel/spiritual songs.

The choir is looking for new members and meets Tuesday night at St. Philip’s Church in Lantzville, or Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church in Nanaimo. Fees are $32 for four consecutive weeks or drop-in for $10.

For more information, please visit www.moresingingplease.com.

Nanaimo News Bulletin