The newly named Kokanee Singers are about to swim upstream with their inaugural performance in Vernon.
The choir, led by local tenor Paul Moore, sings at All Saints Anglican Church Wednesday.
Moore meets with choir members every week and says the singers work on a number of techniques and go through a variety of repertoire, but most importantly they learn how to express themselves through song.
“I like the idea that every person in the group is allowed to find their own identity as a singer and performer and that they are free to express it with clarity and freedom,” said Moore. “The only way for us to achieve freedom and clarity of personality though has been through dedication and training every week.
“I put in the training part and everyone just goes along with me and my funny ways and the singers follow me and trust me and have shown me their dedication.”
The Kokanee Singers will be presenting a number of songs as a group, along with solos by members as well as other singers who study voice and performance with Moore.
“I work with singers each week who are very different in their abilities, style of music and characters,” he said. “They may be part of the larger choir or simply solo singers and musicians and this performance gives everyone a chance to bring their interests to the performance.
“They love to perform for the good of everyone and they are willing to lay it on the line Wednesday night. They are all so keenly dedicated and happy to do what they do and I am proud to be there for them.”
The singers will be joined by Kelowna accompanist Sandra Fletcher, who just played a concert with Moore at Kelowna’s St. Michaels cathedral.
“She was amazing and I thank her for having me come to her city to sing to a very appreciative and full house,” said Moore.
The choir is always looking for more members, and meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Essentialist church on 45th Avenue at 20th Street. Moore also leads a choir in Armstrong, who meet Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Zion United church.
Tickets for Wednesday’s performance at All Saints, which starts at 8 p.m., are $10 for adults or $5 for kids and are available from the Telus booth in the Village Green Centre, from singers, or at the door.
