Patch Hutchinson
Special to The Morning Star
Vallee Harmony Pop/Rock Choir asks, “Can you feel the love tonight?”
The A cappella singers will groove to tunes by the Eagles, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and more at their upcoming concerts.
“These are songs most people will recognize,” said Gail Kopp, who has been singing under the direction of Sylvain Vallee for more than 10 years. “I love the singing, Sylvain’s teaching, and the music that we do.”
Concerts are at 7 p.m. with special guest performers. Tickets are $20 and available at amazingsinging.ca. Admission is free for children 15 and younger. Doors open 6:30 p.m.:
• Friday, May 24, Kamloops United Church;
• Saturday, May 25, Trinity United Church in Vernon;
• Sunday, May 26, The Nexus at First in Salmon Arm.
“We have opportunity to sing up to three times a week,” said Kopp, who often attends practices beyond Vernon, especially when tuning up for concerts. “It is amazing that Sylvain can teach three separate groups and we come together as one at the performances.”
Carpooling to other practice sessions builds friendships and adds an energizing vibe to the eight-part harmonies, which they learn by heart. A cappella means without accompaniment. Vocalists often replicate the sounds of guitars, drums and other instruments.
Director Vallee has adapted his technology so that singers can join a live session via Zoom from anywhere in the world at least one night a week when they travel for work or holidays. If they miss a weekly practice, members can later access a video recording on the member website at a time that works for their schedule.
Vallee Harmony welcomes new singers, both novice and experienced. Sound recordings are available for soprano, alto, tenor, bass/baritone and subsets. See amazingsinging.ca for information.
The grand finale song will ask: “Is this the real life…?” Can you guess the title of that rock anthem, and who wrote the music?
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