Unmuted in 2021 – Congratulations!
Congratulations to all involved in the production of an amazing weekend of friendship and song. Region 26 has much to be proud of, and many people to thank!
There are so many people to be acknowledged, as mentioned in the convention program and Leslie’s state of the region address. We won’t list them all here, in order to avoid leaving anyone out. Read through the program again (to relive a wonderful weekend), and give a great shout out to everyone involved: organizers, technical folks (KUDOS to you in particular), guests, judges, choruses, quartets and every member of region 26 for making it a weekend to remember!
Here are some member thoughts from Unmuted in 2021:
I completely enjoyed the sessions for Unmuted Virtual Convention. Congratulations to each and every person who performed, directed, quarteted, did video work, emcee’d, hosted, had any part in putting on a great event! KUDOS TO ALL!
A JOB WELL DONE!
Yours in Harmony....Karen Ell, Prairie Gold Chorus
My experience at Virtual Regional was very enjoyable. I loved being able to meet new people from around the Region and to learn more about the people who make Region 26 what it is. As a new member, joining mere months before regional contest was scheduled in 2020, I had no idea what to expect from the contest weekend. But I was pleasantly surprised at how well put together and fun the 3 days ended up being even though it was online. It was great to listen to all the quartets (and pick a few new favourites) and bask in the beauty of the chorus performances on the final day. I was glad that it was split between informational/interview segments and music, as it made the whole event feel more realistic and less like I was just watching a playlist of videos. I am even more excited now for Regional in person after how much fun I had during the Zoom weekend.
Emily Wright, Lions Gate Chorus Tenor
Our members who attended Unmuted 2021 were extremely impressed by the inspirational weekend. We felt the region did a fantastic job of presenting the videos, we enjoyed the keynote speakers, and the opportunity to be engaged and ask questions. It was inspiring to see the creativity displayed by the choruses and quartets! Especially interesting was the DEI presentation, and receiving a better understanding of how Region 26 and Sweet Adelines will be working towards a more inclusive organization. A weekend of positivity all in all!
Our little chorus (Desert Sounds) has been hanging in there, trying to stay positive and connected during this challenge year+. We have tried every type of rehearsal that we’ve been allowed to try, among a constantly evolving situation. During the first lockdown phase, we immediately tried to keep connected over zoom meetings. We did invite coaches to visit us online, and they were very helpful and made the meetings more fun. We tried outdoor rehearsals in the park when the weather permitted, and then when the weather became cooler, we had hybrid rehearsals in our little “pods” (with masks on) with the remainder of the members attending over zoom. Then, as restrictions tightened, we had to resort back to zoom meetings only, adding more games to keep it fun. Our main goal was just to stay connected, and not everyone wanted to attend online - so we had no attendance requirements during this time. Some of us did our best to embrace technology to create Virtual Chorus Videos, and we made 4 successful videos (including the one submitted for the convention). We certainly have learned a lot about technology!
We have taken a small break for a few weeks to give our director/“techie" a breather. We plan to do a restart/kickoff on June 1st with a goal setting session. We are hopeful, with better weather, that we can meet in person outside for the summer, then we’ll see what the fall season brings.
Well done, Region 26 and the RMT!
Desert Sounds Harmony Chorus
Kamloop, BC