CE news 11 Jan 26

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Well, we are off to another start. We've got our music, our tracks and our awesome team of Andre and Gabe to get us singing our hearts out. This should be a really fun session with the idea of a call in radio show! Something new and inventive for our audience. If you have thoughts about the call in for any of the songs, please write them down and submit to Andre. Be inventive!

This blog's intent is to give reminders, applause and helpful advice. If there is something specific you would like to see, please let me know.

Andre shared some of the ground rules with everyone last Wednesday. Please take them to heart so that we can have the best experience for everyone: the code of ethics was signed by all when we registered, so we have a reference. Andre is always open to comments or questions when you raise your hand. We love us some Andre and Gabe: they are the best!

This is the first blog of the year (session) for me, so there are a few items that will be old news for most, but good reminders for all.

We are all encouraged to bring water to each rehearsal: singing is hard work, and you will need it. Everyone should have a pencil to lightly mark their music with notes to themselves. Warm up your voice running scales or such in your car before you arrive; it makes it easier to get into the right frame of mind as well as warm up your voice. You and your voice are important to us all: please make every attempt to be at every rehearsal. Please see the website for the wellness policy. There will be other policies up there soon.

We will be reaching out soon to request section leaders for each section: this is the person who you go to if you have music questions, who will set up sectionals, and basically keeps the section in the know. The members area is the place to go for information: take a few minutes to check through all the tabs. You can also access all the music tracks and from there download them to your phone or computer. Sue has set up a file with instructions for this (to be uploaded right away!). If you have trouble, please reach out to Sue at suemcleodmail@gmail.com. Thanks Sue!

Choral Evolution has a good Facebook and Instagram presence (thanks, Joscelyn!) Please set us up in your feed. We also have a "behind the scenes" area that is only accessed by members: Backstage at Choral Evolution. If you would like access, please email Joscelyn at joscelyng@gmail.com.

Wednesday, we will be in Langford at the Masonic Centre. Location and maps are in the members area as well.

Westshore Masonic Centre 2832 Bryn Maur Road, Langford. We meet at 7pm (but it is always a good idea to get there a bit early so we can set up!)

Happy singing!

Sherry

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News

CE News 22 Feb 2026

By Sherry Walters • February 23, 2026

Another great rehearsal under our belts! Thank you everyone for the work you are doing at home and at sectionals to make this music POP (pun intended....sorry). It is starting to show the dedication to learning the music and makes Gordon's directions more easily understood and followed. Per the schedule, we will be in Sooke for the next 3 rehearsals: Wed 25 Feb Sooke Community Hall dining room, Saturday 28 Feb Rose of Lima church, March 4 Sooke Community Hall dining room. Please make every effort to make the long rehearsal especially as we accomplish a lot in those 4 hours....and have a great time getting to know one another more over coffee and snacks. Thank you to those that have used the attendance email to register your absence (attendance.ce2023@gmail.com). This allows us to keep track of members and ensure you are keeping up when you are away. Remember, if you are feeling better, you can join the choir with a mask and sit to the side. That way you still get the opportunity to learn. As a fundraiser, please consider donating your bottles: you can return them and gift the money to the choir, or we are working on a day for everyone to bring bottles to rehearsal so we can cash them in. Thanks for supporting your choir! Have a great day and we'll all meet again on Wednesday, in Sooke.

CE News 15 Feb 26

By Sherry Walters • February 15, 2026

It's another beautiful day, although a bit cold, but a great time to go for a walk. And do you know what works great when walking? Keeping step with your music. If you don't know all the words, da-da-da, or la-la-la works great. Take some great deep breaths and sing. Pop in those earphone/earbuds and sing with your tracks or with the all voices track. Some of the songs are "earworms" so it is easy to learn and sing them. Last week I spoke out of turn by putting attention on the possibility of shirts for the choir for this show. It may occur, but I don't want anyone to be alarmed about the prospect of the shirt. We are still fact finding and are early enough in the season to be able to do something about an added cost. As we have more details, I will ensure they are shared with the group. Thank you to those who shared thoughts. Our first retreat/long rehearsal is fast approaching (Feb 28) so make sure you keep that day free and are able to attend. We accomplish a lot at these 4 hour sessions, so it is very appreciated when everyone comes. Section leads will keep notes so if there is anyone who cannot attend, please speak with your section lead to get the scoop. I have 1 person (thanks Mary) who is bringing goodies to the event. Any more takers? I will be asking at rehearsal for help. Everyone should have received the email from Andre to say he is healing remarkably well. I spent some time with him yesterday and can confirm that he is doing very well. Although he is on his healing journey, he will participate in some regard for our shows so we will get the opportunity to see him before next session. Just a reminder, this is flu and cold season....I let myself get stressed and run down and a cold found me. Now I get to deal with post nasal drip and sounding like a bass! If you are not well, please see the wellness policy and stay home to take care of yourself. If you are feeling better, please attend, wear a mask and sit off to the side/back so that you get the benefit of the lesson even if you can't (and probably shouldn't, as I learned) sing. Prevention is the best way to remain healthy, so wash your hands often. Hoping to see everyone in Langford on Wednesday at 7! Enjoy family day tomorrow.

Director Notes

Rehearsal Notes for February 24th, 2026

February 24, 2026

I noticed that we never did get to SOMEBODY TO LOVE. The first 30 minutes of this week will be on this piece. Gordon LINK: Gordon Notes LINK: YouTube Playlist

Rehearsal Notes for February 18th, 2026

By Adriana Test • February 17, 2026

Please look at all the words and associated rhythm of those words in SOMEBODY TO LOVE. My experience of this song with a previous choir was that I was NOT able to teach this to you in rehearsal. I became a success ONLY through your individual hard work and the work you did at sectionals. I will take NO credit for your ability to sing SOMEBODY TO LOVE. Yes, I can and I will help. But ... ... ... it's really all about you. Truly, don't worry about the rest. I am feeling comfortable with you and with the repertoire chosen and I am beginning to look forward to my Wednesday evenings with you. Gordon MORE THAN WORDS it was just a run through through last week ... we need to seriously look at the road map. SOMEBODY TO LOVE BLINDING LIGHTS BIBLICAL WANNABE LINK: Gordon Notes LINK: YouTube Playlist