As some of you will know, we formed an HRM Rotary choir some years back. We named it ‘Four Way Harmony’, and its membership numbered about 20 Rotarians from all clubs, and friends. Our repertoire (sung in four part, SATB harmony), comprised a diverse selection of really fun to sing, light music, pop, country, folk songs, etc., and included numerous Canadian and Maritime classics – and Christmas music. We rehearsed every second week, and performed at several retirement homes, as well as on the Halifax waterfront and at CTV’s Christmas Daddies. Several members sang in performances of the Rotary International Choir at Toronto and Hamburg conferences. We had a lot of fun, and were clearly much appreciated. Some members are still asked if we can come back to some of the places where we sang! We have fans!
Sadly, with the arrival of Covid, the Choir was forced to shut down and it has now been some three years since we last performed. Since that time several members of the choir, including our fine music director (former AG Barb Pate) and accompanist, have moved on in various ways. However, we still have a core group of about a dozen fine singers who are keen to reactivate the Choir, and promote Rotary through singing,
So the purpose of this message is to invite your interest and support in relaunching the Choir. To do so we need a few singers in all four voices, (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). We also need to find a rehearsal space in a convenient location, preferably with a reasonable quality piano. Also critical is the need to track down the replacement musical leadership team. More specifically we need your help with the following:
- We invite you to join the Choir! If you enjoy singing in the shower, this is way more fun! There is no audition, but some modest ability to follow along a four part musical score would be helpful. Let us know if you’d like to give it a go. We’d love to hear from you. (I don’t read music but I stand between people who do, so I manage…. That works.)
- Being a Rotarian is not a prerequisite. If you know of any ‘Friend of Rotary’ who you think might be interested, please let them know, and ask them to get in touch – partners, adult children, neighbours… all welcome!
- As mentioned above, we need a new ‘Artistic Director’ to guide the Choir musically. This may be a fine opportunity for a retired musician or choir director who is looking for some relaxing interest, or a music student looking to gain some experience in choir direction. While revenue generation potential is inevitably quite modest, some level of remuneration should be possible. If you know of someone who might be interested, please invite them to get in touch.
- Again as mentioned above, we also need an accompanist. Our current accompanist is very keen to help out but has commitments that will likely limit her availability. If anyone knows a competent pianist, again please get in touch.
- Finally we need a venue. It needs to have seating for about 20 people, and as mentioned, ideally needs to be equipped with a piano. Alternatively, we may be able to work with a reasonable quality keyboard. If you have suggestions please let us know.
If you can help with any of the above, please get in touch, either with me – Louisa Horne (rotarylouisa@gmail.com) or with Dick Hodgson of Halifax Northwest, (at dick.hodgson@dal.ca). Hopefully we can find solutions to the above challenges and get this fine choral group up and running again!!