(Photo by Kelly Terkuc)
(article via the Goulbourn Jubilee Singers)
Do you like to sing? Would you like to become a better singer? Would you like to learn to read music? Would you like to do all of this, AND make new friends in the community at the same time? Then the GJS invites you to try out the GJS choir, risk-free during the month of September!
The Goulbourn Jubilee Singers (GJS) is a non-auditioned community choir organization, offering a wide variety of musical and social experiences. There are ensembles for Adults (SATB), Teens (SATB), and Children (SSA). All three groups rehearse on Wednesday evenings, in Stittsville. Each choir performs on its own in the community, and we also perform together. This inter-generational focus is unique in the community!
The Goulbourn Jubilee Singers choirs offer the opportunity to make music, build new friendships, and develop musicianship. Thousands of Canadians are involved in choirs, and they can attest to the many benefits: improved breathing, posture, coordination, stress reduction, and improved muscle tension, to name a few. Choral singing is the perfect icebreaker for someone new to a community.
The Junior Jubilees (JJs) children’s choir (ages 8 to 13) rehearses on Wednesdays from 5:45-6:45. It is the only children’s choir in the West end. The choir develops poise and self-confidence in the youngsters, and builds musicianship, literacy and performance skills. It offers quality “non-screen time” and real inter-generational friendships. It nurtures a spirit of community outreach and service.
The GJS Teens group (ages 13 to 16) rehearses Wednesdays 5:45-7:15. It performs independently, but also provides wonderful support to the younger JJs. In return, the Teens learn valuable leadership and mentoring skills, as well as musicianship. Opportunities to sing with the Adult Choir encourage the Teens to explore singing as a life-long pleasure.
The Adult choir includes family units and neighbours. We rehearse Wednesdays 7:30-9:30. We love to sing together, and work hard to always sing our best! In addition to local appearances, we have enjoyed travelling to sing at festivals in Canada and Europe.
The GJS performs classical, folk, jazz, Christmas, sacred, Broadway, film, and pop repertoire. Each concert includes a variety of styles, usually built around a common theme. We sing in several languages, and guest instrumentalists from the community are often included. You do not need to be able to read music, as mp3s are provided for practicing and we all help each other!
This season’s concerts will be:
- We’re Ready For Christmas! December 2nd (evening) and December 3rd (afternoon)
- Celtic Ceilidh! March 2nd 7:00pm
- Lean On Me: May 6th (evening)
As the GJS begins its 41st season, they are welcoming new singers. Visit www.gjsingers.com or call Sue Lopez at 613-838-8711 for more information.