Male chorus making big plans for next year

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This article was published 02/12/2019 (2226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s a good chance that each one of us can remember a time when singing out loud brought child-like joy. Singing in a group can expand our circle of friends and community. The love of music is universal.

The Winnipeg Male Chorus knows firsthand what it means to bring joy to the hearts of people through music. The not-for-profit charitable organization is preparing to celebrate their 60th anniversary next year. The group has approximately 40 active members who practise from September through May every Monday evening at the Fort Garry United Church under the direction of artistic director Helen Bergen and Accompanist Katie Erickson.

Jack Cameron has been with the choir for seven years and has served as president-elect for two.

“We have so much fun and our artistic director and accompanist keep our practices at a high positive level with their enthusiasm, which is much appreciated by our members,” Cameron said about the choir, which sings everything from classical, pop, and religious, to folk, show tunes and fun tunes.

The group is currently finalizing plans for the 2020 year, which includes a major recording through a Winnipeg Foundation Grant, a major spring tour with a stop in Killarney, additional mini-tours in rural communities, as well as several concerts.

“I enjoy the enthusiasm and dedication of our members, some who have been members in excess of 20 years. It also, not only gives me the opportunity to sing on a regular basis, but also to participate in a program that gives so much back to the community,” Cameron explained, noting that every year the Winnipeg Male Chorus invites another music group to join them at a Christmas concert and a spring concert. During the year they provide entertainment at personal care homes, senior citizen’s homes, hospitals and charity groups.

The chorus promotes the joy of singing among men who enjoy singing, develops the musical talents of its members and provides public performances. The choir has done the national anthem at both the Jets and Bombers games and are presently considering a Moose game in the near future.

“Our present members’ age is classified and highly secret, but I can tell you there are some youngsters who haven’t reached 50 yet and some of whom will never see 80 again,” joked Cameron.

The members of the Winnipeg Male Chorus encourage young people to pursue music with a scholarship fund and invite the public to make this community outreach a possibility. To learn more, email wpgmalechorus@gmail.com. New choir members are welcome at any time of the year.