People interested in joining the Eclectica Community Choir might want to start warming up their singing voices now.
The group is having its fall start-up and registration at the 100 Mile United Church, 49 Dogwood Ave., on Sept. 11.
Eclectica has a long history in 100 Mile House, explains Barbara Hooper, a longtime member and retired music teacher.
She adds “singing is like breathing” for many of the choir members, but anyone, no matter how they sound, is welcome to join.
“We’re a very social group; anyone can join. Whether they read music or not or think they have a good voice or not.
“Men, women, all ages. We sometimes have kids who are 14 and people who are in their 80s.”
Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. and the cost is $25. The choir practice goes from 7 to 9 p.m.
Hooper encourages people to sing as much as they can.
“Music is just as natural as speaking. I come from an Irish/Scottish background and that’s what we did.
“Everyone came and brought their instrument or their voice. That’s kind of the feeling we have in our choir. People learn as they do it.”
Hooper has been involved with Eclectica since the 1980s. Today, the group’s approximately 50 members sing a variety of music.
“Everyone likes different kinds of music and we cover most of it. From swing to blues to pop to rock and any other kind you can think of.
“And also traditional, what you might call spiritual music, especially around Christmas time.”
Eclectica has a spring concert in May and a Christmas concert in December. Choir members also sing at a number of ceremonies, including Remembrance Day and Canada Day.
“We really try to sing as many Canadian songs as possible.”
Anyone interested in joining the choir or is looking for more information can reach Hooper at 250-397-2980.
