Selkirk Community Choir (SCC) takes pride in providing enriching musical opportunities to singers throughout the Interlake region.
To ring — or sing — in the new year, the choir continued its decade-long tradition by offering a six-week Try-A-Choir mini-session. This program gives participants the opportunity to experience being part of the SCC family without a long-term commitment.
“The mini-session not only breaks up the year and gives us a fun project for the dark days of winter, but it also allows a short-term trial for people who want to come for just a while,” said choir director Kendra Obach. “Choir is awesome! That said, singing can feel vulnerable, and I think it’s important for people to know that it’s safe to come out and try something new — even if you don’t consider yourself a ‘singer.’”
Choir members met on Tuesday evenings at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. For a small registration fee, participants found their place in the choir, learned essential choir basics and rehearsed several songs in preparation for a Valentine’s Day themed Coffee House performance on Tuesday, Feb. 10, also at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
“Try-A-Choir is a very accessible, low-cost, warm indoor activity to enjoy during the dark winter months,” said Kendra Bannish, SCC’s public relations representative. “Singing and community are amazing for mental health — something many of us struggle with during the winter.”
No previous experience was required to enrol, and SCC’s approximately 50 current members were happy to welcome new singers into their community. Bannish described participating in a community choir as a bucket-filling experience.
“You can expect to work hard, learn a lot and have fun,” she said. “You can also expect to build community with like-minded people. While we do have a short break to socialize each week, most of the time is spent rehearsing. I joined a year ago, and as someone who was nervous about meeting new people, I appreciated this format — it felt low-pressure. Still, I can almost guarantee you’ll leave with at least one new friend.”
She also said that SCC is a “community treasure and a gift to those who participate,” noting that it is a multi-generational experience that unites people through their shared love of music.
Obach echoed Bannish’s sentiments, explaining that, for her, a successful choir is one filled with joy.
“Singing should be fun, build community and show musical progress,” she said. “If people enjoy their Tuesday nights and feel good about singing, that’s a success — though this is true of community choir all the time, not just during the mini-session.”
The public is invited to attend SCC’s Try-A-Choir Valentine’s Day themed Coffee House on Feb. 10 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Sawchuk Dr. in Selkirk. Beginning at 7 p.m., the full choir will perform six songs learned during the Try-A-Choir sessions, along with several solos, duets and small group arrangements. Tickets are $5 at the door, with proceeds supporting general choir operations.
“I can’t recommend joining SCC enough — it has fulfilled me in ways I never would have expected,” Bannish added. “It’s truly wholesome and good for the soul. If anyone is on the fence, I’d encourage them to come out.”
