Young men between the ages of 12 and 20 are invited to join the Chor Leoni MyVoice choir program as it enters its third year.
The eleven-week program is free for any boys interested in learning to sing or expand their vocal abilities, and will culminate in an all-day choral celebration with the Chor Leoni Men's Choir at Queen's Avenue United Church in New Westminster in April.
All levels of experience are welcome to sign up to sing together every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Douglas College.
The first practice was held yesterday, Jan. 29, but space is still open for more members to sign up. About 100 participants are expected to join the program in its Vancouver, Richmond and New Westminster branches, said Chor Leoni's assistant conductor, Carrie Tennant.
"It just keeps growing every year," she said. "There's just something about having the energy of all boys in the same room."
Whether participants have had experience with their school or community choirs or are totally new to choral singing, this is a chance to try it out, said Bruce Hoffman, director of communications for Chor Leoni Men's Choir.
"We've had a lot of singers go through MYVoice and then say that it was a life-changing experience for them, and then they go on to join other choirs or their school choirs," he said. ". so it's really a wonderful opportunity for the guys."
The MYVoice choir sings a range of musical styles, from Broadway musicals to folk to world to classical to pop.
The theme for the upcoming program is "heroes," which, Hoffman noted, could refer to anyone from Superman to Jesus to someone's mom, and a repertoire of songs will be developed around the theme for the final concert. The full-day show on April 20 will kick off with the Chor Leoni Men's Choir performing a few numbers before the MyVoice group takes over, and then the finale will feature all the singers together.
"It's a great sound, and it's very exciting," said Hoffman.
For more information, or to register, visit www.chorleoni.org/MyVoice.
