Student voices from the area are gathering under a blanket of sound. The 2014-15 edition of the District 57 Tapestry Singers is under construction, and anyone interested in singing with this choral group is invited to try out.
This is the eighth year for the singing program for all public schools of the city. The ensemble is split into a senior group (Grade 7-12) and a junior group (Grade 4-7).
The junior choir is for learning the foundation of choral singing, having fun together as performing artists in training, and progressing together toward the senior team.
The seniors carry on with the learning and the fun, but they also get to travel. In past years they have represented the Prince George region at choral festivals in Edmonton, Vancouver, Banff, Whistler and Seattle. The goal this year is to travel to the Sun Peaks Choral Festival in Kamloops in May.
"The mission of Tapestry Singers is to create a joyful and beautiful sound, to strive for choral excellence, and to foster a lifelong love of music and music making," said Tapestry Singers director Carolyn Duerksen.
The choirs are accompanied on piano by Maureen Neilsen, as part of the experienced leadership team.
"Tapestry Singers are regular performers in the Prince George community, singing O Canada at sporting and cultural events, singing together with residents at local care homes, performing at local festivals and concerts, and participating in workshops sponsored by the BC Choral Federation," Duerksen said. "A highlight of last year's season was their spring concert, I Will Sing! All members of our Tapestry community are excited about their upcoming concert in February with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, the Prince George Cantata Singers and the Vancouver Chamber Choir. This concert is part of the Canada Winter Games festivities in Prince George."
If anyone is wondering if the Tapestry Singers might be fun, there is an 'Everyone Welcome' rehearsal to test the theory out on Oct. 16 at Quinson elementary school. Junior grades are singing from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and senior grades sing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, contact Duerksen at 250-964-8184 or email cduerksen@sd57.bc.ca.
