For some people music is just a nice way to pass the time, but for 16-year-old Sarah Wildi, it's what she breathes.
Wildi is a member of the District 57 Tapestry Singers, an unauditioned choir, which means everyone who wants to make the commitment, can participate.
Sarah is only one of two original members of the choir that started in 2006 and in that time she's only missed a handful of rehearsals and that's the commitment it takes to be a Tapestry Singer.
The 22-member choir, along with special guests Nove Voce Choral Society, the Prince George Youth Orchestra, Maureen Nielsen on piano, Simon Cole on saxophone, and Erica Skowron on oboe, will come together during a concert to Celebrate the Season on Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Michael's Anglican Church.
"Music is the one thing that makes me happy," said Wildi. "Some people like riding horses, some people like to bake, some people have sports and I'm one of those people who just love music and love to sing. It's one of those things that just happens inside of you and it fills you up."
The choir goes out into the community often and performs for the public, like appearances at the Prince George Chateau, Simon Fraser Lodge and St. Vincent de Paul Society.
"I was watching the people we were singing to and we could all just feel it. I know it might sound cheesy but I can really feel it in my heart when I sing," Wildi said, clasping her hands to her chest. "It's an experience that everyone feels - even when you're listening to music like the Beatles or Bon Jovi in your room - it just fills you and it's a passion and it's not just for one person - music is a universal language for everyone."
The Tapestry Singers choir, led by director Carolyn Duerksen, has progressed enough to perform a demanding repertoire, including Sarah's favourite, Psalm 23, arranged by Canadian composer Srul Irving Glick.
"To be able to make a beautiful sound with more than just one voice with harmonies and singing in unison - for a group of exceptional singers to come together and to make extraordinary music is an amazing experience, especially for Prince George," said Wildi. "And Ms. Duerksen is a very big part of that."
The Tapestry Singers welcome new members in January. Contact Duerksen at cduerksen@sd57.bc.ca for more information.
During the concert the Tapestry Singers will perform a range of music including contemporary and traditional songs. The song list includes Go Tell It!, the French carol, Il est ne Le Divin Enfant, and on the lighter side, We Need a Little Christmas!, Winter Wonderland, Twelve Days of Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Celebrate the Season Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Michael's Anglican Church, 1505 Fifth Avenue. Tickets are at Studio 2880 or at the door and are $10, age 10 and under are free.
