When family entertainer Norman Foote gets a big group of kids to sing his songs with him on stage, he doesn't call them a choir.
The kids do more than simply sing predetermined parts. They are partially the audience, partially musical accompanists, partially supporting cast for theatrical and comedic elements. He tried calling them his animated wall of sound, but that didn't capture it either.
"Now I call them my Big Voice Orchestra," said Foote, who will show Prince George exactly what he means on Tuesday night. "There is a lot of energy in my show. The kids add so much, and because they are all Prince George kids they are adding a level of connection to the audience as well. It's all about voice, and people believing in their own voice.
"So much in music has been reduced to considering it a competition, and that can be scary to think about. Music is not a competition. These kids get to sing on a stage, and they do more than just sing, and we're all involved in the experience together, so that's the kind of thing we all get to take away from these shows."
Foote is a seasoned professional in B.C.'s entertainment world. He has been on stages all over the province (and North America) for many years, and many times in Prince George, but it has been a significant time since his last appearance here. He considers his Tuesday night performance at the P.G. Playhouse a reintroduction of sorts.
For those unfamiliar with Foote's work, he is equal parts musician and comedian. He mixes solo singer-songwriter tunes with a stream of jokes and anecdotes and sometimes puppetry and other theatrical props.
He often performs alone, sometimes with bandmates, and in situations like Tuesday he incorporates local schools.
On stage with him this time will be students from Ecole College Heights, Heather Park and Harwin elementary.
"You want to add an aspect of the community to your show anytime you can, and you're then also giving back to that community," he said, praising the three music teachers involved for preparing the participating children in advance.
They will meld with some group rehearsals upon his arrival in Prince George, then showtime for the public.
"I've always been in show-biz in my life but these shows are the most rewarding, and I get so much feedback for them - so much," he said. "To me I consider it highly successful every time. There is preparation involved but a lot of what I do with the Big Voice Orchestra is creating something spontaneous, something the kids have taken ownership of, so that's really special.
"If you're moved by a live performance, you're always glad you showed up," he explained. "It's easier to sit at home on the couch consuming home entertainment, or do something else because everyone is busy, I get that, I live that too, but I know when I go out and experience something that moves me, I'm always glad I did that. I try to give that to people who come see the show."
For his efforts and talents, Foote has won a Gold Award from the Parents Choice Foundation for the album If The Shoe Fits and has won a Juno Award for his album Love My New Shirt, among many other accolades - not the least of which is the appreciation of audiences of all ages.
He makes a habit of performing with kids, not a "down to their level" mentality which ensures they feel respected and older audiences can also take part as equals. He keeps his shows to about an hour in duration with no intermission, in deference to audience attention spans and family schedules, and he performs all aspects of the show live without the use of synch-tracks.
He and the three local schools comprising the Big Voice Orchestra will be onstage at the P.G. Playhouse at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets ($13 child, $15 adult) are on sale now at Studio 2880 (2880 15th Ave., or call 250-563-2880.
