Sage Valley Voices ready to set the pace

SVV Moments to Rememberby Marion Boyd

This Spring the Sage Valley Voices bring you “Moments to Remember”, a programme of past favourites sure to warm you heart.   Mark Saturday, April 26th at 7 pm or Sunday, April 27th at 2:30 pm on your calendar and join us at the Oliver United Church for some great entertainment.   Tickets available at the door for $10 include a social following the concert where you can meet with friends and chat with members of the choir.

Alice DeRoche is back to lead numbers that include “Come Follow the Band”, “Do Wah Days”, “Shenandoah”, “Bring Him Home” and a medley from Fiddler on the Roof and another from Hair.   Alice loves entertaining and she loves costumes.   This time she is creating a spring flower theme with women  wearing a rainbow of colour and men sporting new vests and shirts in bright hues.

Pianist, Sandy Andres, brings her exceptional talent to this 35 voice community choir.   When she arrives to accompany, she is frequently cheered.   She has a way of making us sound better than we are and she can exorcise errant notes when they appear.   Basses and Baritones pay attention and Sandy gives them the little cues that make all the difference.

Recently I read a Globe and Mail article about choirs.  It asked,  “What is it about singing in harmony with other humans that changes the way we feel and think?”

Apparently British scientists have found that choirs boost the mental and physical health of their members.   Researchers studied 375 people who sang alone, sang in choirs and played team sports and found the choristers experienced the greatest benefits by far.   One study even found that choral singers unconsciously synchronize their heartbeats with other choir members.   Our group is wondering if pacemakers help!?

“We’re always encouraged to sing as children,” said one member, “and then you grow up and unless you go to church, when do you sing?”   Singing in a group gives us something we have lost as a society.  In Oliver we sing twice a week preparing for the concerts and pursue harmony with those around us.   We sing together, laugh together, and entertain together.   New members are always welcome.   Those who regularly attend our concerts know the fun of lifting their voices and joining in for some finale numbers.   Together we create community!    Come and enjoy!

Photo Credit: Marion Boyd