Fresh start, new voices for Loyalist community choir

BELLEVILLE, ON (11/08/11) Loyalist Community Choir Director Cheryl Thrasher discusses song choices with a small selection of the group. The choir meets Monday nights from 5pm to 7pm in Wilkinson Lecture Hall. Photo by Keenan Weaver.

By: Keenan Weaver

The halls of Loyalist College will soon echo the harmonies of a community choir.

Faculty members have been trying to start a school-wide choir for several years. Cheryl Thrasher, paralegal teacher and newly appointed choir director, feels things will be different this year.

The choir is still in the early stages of its development and has had about 35 students attend meetings. From the two rehearsals Thrasher has been to, she is confident of the talent within the group.

“We have a lot of musicians. Some play instruments, some are just vocals. Some have been in musicals or choirs for 10 years. So it’s a wide variety, and it’s essential to have that,” she said.

Thrasher has been surrounded by music her entire life, and now directs three local choirs called the Shout Sister. She feels music has contributed a lot to her life and positive outlook.

“No matter how hard you work, you need a balance, and music is therapeutic in any shape or form. It balances your life and allows you to express it in any art form. I also think it’s a good opportunity to socially network with people who aren’t in your program.”

Not many students know about the choir in its early stages, but Thrasher plans to change that. She hopes to create a fun, laid back environment for people to get together and share their love of music.

“You know when you’re young and think you have a terrible voice and shouldn’t sing, but really in a choir you become one voice. It doesn’t matter, even if you love to sing, come out and sing.”

The repertoires will reflect the interests of the group and the target audience.

“A lot of them like musicals, they like the more up beat music that’s out there,” she said. “It’s kind of starting to unfold like Glee, as far as bringing in the instruments and a different repertoire. Who knows where it’s going to go, the sky’s the limit.”

Thrasher hopes the choir will be available for performances at the school, and is aiming to have a repertoire prepared for graduation.

Courtney Chambers, a second-year paralegal student, was in class when Thrasher started advertising the choir. This was the first she’d heard of it.

“Well I didn’t hear about it before, but Cheryl seemed excited about it in class. I’ve played the flute and sing in the shower a lot, so I think it’s pretty sweet,” she said.

“I’m a huge Glee fan. It’s amazing I can live my favourite show in a stress-free environment. Every young adult needs music in their life.”

Chambers plans to join the choir as soon as possible, and is confident she can manage schoolwork and singing.

Also helping to organize the choir is Pam Fairbank, program coordinator of arts and science. She has been involved in a Loyalist choir before, but feels this year will be the most consistent group.

“We’re hoping for a good mix of staff and students,” she said. “The whole idea of this is to just come out, sing, learn something about singing and singing as a group and harmony.“

Fairbank is encouraging people of all abilities and experience to come out.

“We’ve got goals in mind and it’s just non threatening. People shouldn’t be made fun of or have any fears, just come out to the very supportive group.”

She recognizes the variety of talent in the group, but has been approached by non-musical minds that still want to get involved. Although costs associated with the choir are small, they still appreciate fundraising efforts to pay for the director and other necessities.

Fairbank is happy with student turnout so far, but is definitely hoping for more voices.

“I’d like us to grow, maybe see 40-50 people out,” she said. “I guess some people would like to compete, and that might be something down the road.”

Competitions could help market the school and raise awareness of the choir.

“(Competitions) aren’t the priority, I would just like to have us represented at events for the college. I think it could be a useful marketing strategy down the road and would certainly like to be at commencement.”

The Loyalist community choir meets Monday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Wilkinson Lecture Hall.

They are looking for more members with a passion for music, and welcome all Loyalist staff, students and administration.

Anyone interested can show up to a Monday night meeting. For further information, contact Pam Fairbank at 613-969-1913, ext. 2433 or Joe Callahan at ext. 2403.