Feature/Naramata Choir

Naramata Community Choir It was over forty years ago that a young woman, not long out from Ireland, tacked a note on a tree in the then-tiny village of Naramata, BC inviting "anyone interested in forming a singing group" to meet at her home one evening. Naramata was then a community of only 650 souls, so she was agreeably surprised when fifteen eager singers showed up. A fledgling choir was born that night. Founder and artistic director Carole McGibney has not been allowed a backward glance since that day. And half a dozen "core musicians" are still with the group. Over the years the choir has grown to fifty members, and McGibney has frozen it at that number. That means any would--be new members must now audition. Standards are high--McGibney expects the best from her crew, and all music is memorized. That means every eye is fixed on the director. The choir has always been known for the choice of demanding music. Every member stands and moves precisely; the discipline never wavers. At first the practices were held in the McGibney living room--" My podium was the hearth", laughs Carole. That space was soon outgrown, and the choir moved to Naramata Centre, which has been its home base since. Members now come from centers as far as Summerland, Okanagan Falls, and of course Penticton. Over the years the choir has built up a series of traditions, which its fans look for. Christmas is always a special time. Along with concerts at Retirement Homes, there is the celebration at Naramata Centre's Columbia Hall. Traditional carols mingle with the choir's own unique presentations. It is so popular that "standing room only" is expected. Just two years after its formation, the choir took part in the International Choir Festival. This, too, has become a tradition. Two other Canadian choirs, from Kamloops and Trail, also take part, along with three Washington State choirs. In April 2006, Naramata Choir will be host to this event. Other events held in 2005 have been an appearance with Calgary's Multicultural Choir, and a performance at the opening ceremonies of the Canadian Wildlife Association, held in Penticton. In December the Naramata Choir added to the beauty of the evening when the CBC presented its annual readings of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". Other occasions recalled are an appearance before Queen Elizabeth (1971), British Columbia's Summer Games (1978) an appearance at Expo 86, and at Disneyland (1997). The choir has also produced seven albums. Naramata Choir was included in the 2004--2005 Community Concert line-up for the Penticton season. The concert on this occasion included a number of musical playlets tucked into the whole, each worked through with great care. These little vignettes demonstrated the wealth of dramatic flair that the group possesses. It seems that every singer is also an actor! Quite a record for that young woman who hoped to attract fellow-musicians to sing with her--by posting a note on a village tree! - Dodi Morrison -

 

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