Lions Gate Chorus 2020 – A year in review

Oh, wait a minute, the year isn‘t over yet.  It just feels like it should be.  Right?  

Does anyone else feel that we’ve lived a decade since March?

Well, it is what it is.  And Lions Gate Chorus is doing what we can to keep our members engaged and connected to each other.  Like many organizations, we immediately embraced ZOOM technology to host virtual rehearsals.  While ZOOM (or the internet really) lacked the capability for us to be able to sing together (and actually hear each other), it excelled in its ability to bring guests from all over the world for a short visit without all the usual trappings of flights and accommodations.  Many a week I looked forward to rehearsal to hear from our featured guest. 

I think one of our favourite new rehearsal activities is the ‘LGC All’ poll.   Each of us submitted something quirky about ourselves or a unique experience we had, and our very own Jan Carley uses the ZOOM poll feature to describe the ‘something’ and challenges us to pick from a select list, which chorus member it applies to.  I have learned a lot about my riser mates and have a new found respect and awe for all of them!

And who doesn’t think it isn’t just a little fun to channel our inner Brady Bunch and see our members in little video squares?

For sure, virtual rehearsals are giving us a platform to accelerate and expand education.  In particular, education that comes from outside the chorus and can be delivered safely.  Since we don’t sing as much at a virtual rehearsal we have more time for education.

Lions Gate has received a broad range of education.  From vocal production, to singing from your heart we have had the opportunity to reflect on our singing skills and how we can improve our performance.   It is a bit challenging to practise the vocal skills without the feedback from our Director, but we do our best.

Our visual leaders attended a virtual education conference not too long ago which was aimed at improving visual performance.  Each week they share tips and learnings from their experience and give us opportunity to practise them at rehearsal.  I find the virtual rehearsal particularly good for this, as I can watch our visual leaders throughout the song and see what they are doing and since I can see myself on the screen I can see the impact of any change I have made.  It is just like being at a mirror rehearsal!

I am truly grateful for virtual rehearsals and the many silver linings they offer.  Opportunities we wouldn’t necessarily have in person.  That said, I think I speak for all of us that we can’t wait to get back to our rehearsal hall to be together and sing!  And then sing some more!

Hoping that our Region 26 sisters stay safe and well.   Looking forward to seeing you all again soon,

Barbara Vonas

Lions Gate Chorus