A choir group in Vernon is giving music and fine arts teachers in the Vernon School District something to sing about.
The Vernon Community Singers has a donation program whereby they give money to schools or individuals who have or are working on musical endeavours.
The choir presented cheques for $500 each to five schools in School District 22 at the district office Friday, Oct. 20.
“We want to instill a love of singing in the young people, and then eventually maybe they’ll come and join us,” said Wendy Waters, president of the choir.
“We’re really happy to be able to give back.”
Caley Redden, a fine arts teacher at J.W. Inglis Elementary School in Lumby, said the $500 will “go along way” to helping the music program at her school.
“I have instruments that need repair, I have instruments that need replacement, and there’s always a need, so it’s really exciting,” she said, adding she’s “eternally grateful” for the support.
Michelle Johnson, a fine arts specialist at BX Elementary, likewise said the money will be used to fix instruments or buy new ones, adding it will also be used to buy equipment for the musicals the school puts on.
Johnson said the fine arts program at her school is an important one.
“I believe that it’s a space where students that might not shine academically or might not shine in sports, it’s their space that they can come and really shine, and come into their own element, and it’s also a space that creates so much community in the school, “she said.
“Their generosity is outstanding, and it’s really wonderful to see other artists supporting arts in the school.”
The Vernon Community Singers are a multi-generational mixed choir of 75 members. They perform a mixed repertoire, from 50s doo-wop to 21st Century anthems with concerts in April and December.
The choir is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having started out in 1993. To mark the milestone, the choir will be holding a Christmas celebration concert titled “Sing out your Joy” on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Church. Tickets are $20 and children under 16 can get in for free. Tickets are available at the Schubert Centre or through choir members.
Ticket sales from the choir’s performances are what allow them to make donations to the community, Waters said, adding the hope is to be able to offer donations again next year.
“The more people that come and watch us the more we get to give back to the community,” Waters said.
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