For half a century, members of Shuswap Singers have been giving voice to their passion for vocalizing.In mid-May they will share their love with the whole community in two concerts that highlight songs they have performed over the course of 50 years, along with some new numbers.There will be songs to suit everyone, with music ranging from folk songs derived from such countries as Puerto Rico and Africa, to popular numbers made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Bette Midler, Roger Whittaker and others.The audience will be treated to a well-known chorus by Giuseppe Verdi, a classical mass by Josephy Haydn, several show tunes, a 1500 madrigal, country gospel, gospel rock, Canadian and No Man is an Island, a number the choir adopted as their theme song in the 1970s.And the choir is looking forward to giving voice to two special numbers – Ad Infinitum, with lyrics by Tom Brighouse and music by Jim Johnston and Nothing Like This (I Gotta Sing) with word and original music by Linzy Lunkwist, arranged by Jim Johnston especially for the Shuswap Singers as Nothing Like the Shuswap Air.Conductors and pianists who have accompanied the choir over the years have been asked to return to First United Church to enjoy the celebration.The choir is currently in the good hands of director Kate McKie and pianist Marlene Engle.Shuswap Singers accompanist for many years, McKie gave up the ivories in favour of the baton in 2007.“I think it’s amazing the choir is still going strong after 50 years,” she says. “I love being in front of all those people, there is so much talent there.”A music specialist in School District #83, McKie shares her love of music with students from kindergarten to Grade 5 at Carlin Elementary Middle School.She has conducted the North Okanagan-Shuswap Honour Children’s Choir for the past 12 years and in 2010, expanded the program to include a group of older students by creating the Shuswap Youth Choir.Fittingly, McKie and Shuswap Singers both saw the light of day in 1962. And while singing was well underway in Salmon Arm three years later, McKie was starting her musical career in Yamaha’s Early Childhood Music program in Edmonton.Graduating from that program at the age of six, McKie studied piano for 14 years, flute for six, and honed her voice with private instruction and by singing with choirs. McKie pursued furthered her skills in Calgary where she earned a diploma in film production, a BA in English, followed by teacher training and a diploma in Kodaly Music Education.Taking over the piano from McKie, Engel has also been immersed in music from a very early age.From making “a joyful noise unto the Lord” in the Baptist Church to playing piano and violin, Engel has long shared her talent.At school, Engel joined choirs and bands, playing various instruments including flute and tuba. She began teaching piano while still in high school.She first accompanied the Shuswap Singers in 1992 when the choir was under the direction of Margaret Zsadanyi and Lori Onsorge.Engel and her family left Salmon Arm, returning in 2006 and moving back onto the piano bench for the choir a year later.Choir, conductor and accompanist have been working hard to make their 50th anniversary concerts a great celebration.The concerts take place at First United Church at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12 and 2:30 pm. Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13.Tickets at $10 each are available at Acorn Music.

Salmon Arm Observer