The definition of a choir is “a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform”. Typically made up of male and female voices and usually split into four parts – soprano, alto, tenor and bass. For centuries, choirs have been performing in churches, concert halls, schools and communities – all with a common goal, to sing with others that share a love of music.
For the Chestermere Soundwaves, they’ve been raising their voices together since March 2009 and although the group has gone through some member changes, their love of music and singing has remained strong.
The group was formerly lead by long-time director Candie Schmidt, but after moving out of Chestermere, the group was then left to find a replacement. “We were kind of in a limbo,” said Soundwaves member, Leslie Dilts, “and we weren’t quite sure if we were going to be able to keep doing it as we weren’t sure we could find another director or not”.
Dilts then had a conversation with MLA Leela Aheer who has a strong musical background and her own studio and music school here in Chestermere and after Aheer recommended Sarah Moore, the Soundwaves now had a new director.
With the finding of a new director, the Chestermere Soundwaves got right back into full swing and are now looking for new members to join them.
“So what we’re doing is we’re going to hold an information evening on February 25th that is open to the public and try and get some new singers that are over the age of 18 – male or female – to come and see what we’re all about and join us”.
Group members Leslie Dilts and Karen Rideout explain that the group is just for those that love to sing. “We’re a fun group! We learn new songs, we meet new people and we all just love to sing. It’s very low key and relaxed. There is no pressure and even for those that think they can’t sing but like to do it anyway – we welcome them too”.
The group rehearses Thursday evenings at 7pm for two hours, except for during the summer, and they always keep their rehearsals within Chestermere at one of the members’ homes. As for performances, the Soundwaves have been seen at Prince of Peace, The Mustard Seed, the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Strathmore Lodge, Sagewood, Whitecappers and some of the Chestermere Community Events such as Waterfest, Winterfest and many others.
The group also performs a wide range of music – everything from Irish music for a St. Patrick’s Day performances to Guns N’ Roses….whatever the performance might require, the group makes sure to have a wide variety of songs ready just in case.
If you love to sing and want to check out the Chestermere Soundwaves, you can stop in to see them at their “Try us out for a night” on February 25th or check out their Facebook page.
