Morgan Cross
News contributor
Not only an exercise of the vocal chords, singing is a physically, mentally and often socially rewarding practice.
Practising in Oak Bay at St. Mary’s the Virgin Church, the Newcombe Singers have performed in and beyond Greater Victoria for almost 50 years and have experienced the benefits and joy of spreading song to others.
The choir is a close-knit, diverse group of singers centered in music, people and celebration. This year, as every other, they welcome prospective members to join them.
The Newcombe Singers emerged in 1967, after three civil service employees of the B.C. Legislature came together, inspired to bring music to parliament. They formed a group known at the time as the Newcombe Glee Club, named after the Newcombe Theatre in which they practiced. Led by Beverly Dougan, Shirley Jordan and Joyce Underwood, the choir had about 50 members and sang carols each Friday morning in December for their colleagues’ arrival to parliament.
Soon, they began performing for children’s Christmas parties and Legislative functions, including the Remembrance Day ceremony and in the rotunda. Opportunities “snowballed from there on,” says president Audrey Beliveau.
“We still sing at the Remembrance Day services in Victoria each year,” the Oak Bay woman says, describing the choir’s place in the ceremony as an honour, alongside other opportunities to sing at the Legislature and carol during Christmastime.
On other days of the year, the Newcombe Singers sing for local seniors’ centres, lodges, hospitals and community venues.
While their repertoire remains mostly classical, they follow the byline “from Bach to the Beatles,” and jazz, pop and folk pieces are often heard.
Every other year, individual choir members have the opportunity to perform in such locations as Vancouver, Hong Kong, Cuba and the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York City. Beliveau says that the choir enjoys entertaining within their community, but they are grateful when travel opportunities arise.
“Our director Peter Dent has given us more chances to perform internationally than ever before,” she says. “We’re proud of where we’ve gone.”
The most rewarding part of belonging to the Newcombe Singers is the closeness of the group, Beliveau says.
“There’s a great sense of camaraderie here,” she says.
The choir includes men and women, retirees, full-time workers and several university students. Some have years of experience in music and singing before joining, while others are entirely new. Beliveau says all are welcome, and adds that any who wish to learn music are offered necessary resources and time with the Newcombe Singers. Extra choral assistance and local workshops are available to those new to singing and sight reading.
As part of their practice routine, each week Dent and assistant conductor Kristina Stevens guide the choir through mastering new pieces and skills.
This year, the Newcombe Singers will commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary with an all-Canadian spring concert and repertoire.
With the New Year, Beliveau encourages any interested in singing to join.
Sopranos, altos, tenors and basses are welcome in the non-auditioned choir. Rehearsals began at St. Mary’s Church, and registration details can be found at www.newcombesingers.com.
