Category: Choir

  • Trust In Singing

    Singing, and music in general engender many emotions, as discussed in this post. There are many positive emotions that arise from singing, as well as the occasional one. One aspect of positive emotion found particularly in choral singing, is trust. Trust is a powerful emotion because it takes time and effort to build, but can…

  • How Emotions Affect Singing

    Emotion is necessary in musical expression, but our emotions can have a very strong effect on how we sing. Here are 3 ways in which our emotions can affect our singing: #1. Positive emotions: Positive emotions, such as joy, excitement, and love, often have an equally positive impact on our singing. These emotions help us…

  • Singing For Wellness

    There are many studies that have shown the benefits of music on cognitive function, and childhood development, but perhaps one of the greatest benefits of music, and singing in particular is the benefits to our sense of well being. #1. Physical Well-being: Singing requires a great deal of physicality, and an excellent sense of self.…

  • The Sounds of Silence

    Choir, and music in general is all about how to organize sound, so it seems incongruous to discuss the importance of silence in singing. But silence is an exceptionally important aspect of music, and here are three reasons why: #1. Audience: In classical settings, unlike more popular music concerts, the audience is expected to be…

  • The Benefit of Sectionals

    We spend a lot of time discussing how important it is to sing as a group, to listen to the other parts, and to blend seamlessly, but it’s just as important for sections of the choir to break off sometimes and have their own time in a sectional, separate from the rest of the choir:…

  • Atmospheric Music

    Happy Halloween! In honour of this spooktacular day, we thought we would discuss how important music can be in the creation of atmosphere! #1. Creating tension: Try watching a scary movie without the sound, and suddenly, it becomes significantly less terrifying. This is because music and sound are used to great effect, in enhancing tension.…

  • Discipline In Singing

    One of the most important aspects of learning music, is the discipline that it requires. Studying music is not like many other pursuits; it  requires continual and dedicated time, patience, and discipline. #1. Little by little: Music, like learning a new language, is best done in small, but consistent portions of time. The repetition required…

  • The Importance of Early Music Education

    Every day we learn more about the many benefits of music education. There have been numerous studies in recent years highlighting the myriad ways in which learning music can benefit people in both mind, and body! Nowhere is this more evident than in early childhood: #1. Sound is natural: Sound is everywhere. It is as…

  • Present Focused Performance

    Performing is a unique aspect of singing with a group. By the time a performance rolls around, the basic necessities of learning a piece of music are already accomplished. The notes, and rhythms have been learned, the words have been memorized. Performance evokes something completely different in musicians. It makes demands of your present self:…

  • Growth In Singing

    Since many of us start singing at quite a young age (our Music Makers program starts at 3!) We can experience a lot of growth in our time as singers. This manifests both physically (our voices often don’t mature fully until we’re ~30 years old), but it also manifests in our state of mind. Here…

  • Self-Awareness In Singing

    Singing is different than playing any other instrument. Because a singer’s body is their instrument, singers must make an extra effort, not just to take care of their instrument, but to conceptualize that instrument from the inside out: #1. Self-visualization: Singers are not able to open up their body and view their instrument, to have…

  • Welcome to 2016-2017!

    Welcome to our 2016-2017 Singing Season! We are thrilled to welcome returning and new choristers to another year of wonderful music with the CCC! There are many wonderful events in store this year, including the celebration of our 30th Anniversary! September 16th-18th, 2016 – Choir Camp December 10th, 2016 – Christmas Concert @ St. Giles…

  • Spring Concert 2016 Roundup!

    Our concert took place at the Rosza Centre on Saturday, May 14, and featured the incomparable Jonathan Love as host and collaborator.  Much of our music fit loosely into a theme of nature, and more specifically birds – as we performed pieces such as “The Bluebird”, by C.V. Stanford, “Be Like A Bird” by Sheila…

  • Musical Professions – Music Teacher

    This is the first post in our newest series, Musical Professions, in which we will be taking a closer look at the myriad of careers available to those with a background in, and a passion for music! Many musicians chose to pursue a combination of these musical professions, making them incredibly versatile and well-rounded! Music…

  • Studying Music At University

    Many of our choristers have gone on to study music, or arts related programs at University, and there are a variety of different career paths you can take to make music an even larger part of your life. We’ll discuss musical careers in greater detail in an upcoming series. Many of our choristers have also…

  • 3 Ways In Which Music Makes You a Better Problem-Solver

    Music has untold benefits for those who study it, and one of those great benefits is the ability to solve problems in creative and unique ways: #1. Perspective Shift: Music, and in particular singing, demands the ability to understand things from other perspectives. The ability to approach a problem from multiple perspectives is essential. Creative…

  • Choir As Refuge

    Choir has been touted as an excellent way to form and engage in community, but it can be even more important than that, particularly for young people. Choir is often a refuge, during confusing, lonely, and difficult times in our lives. Because of the supportive nature of choral singing, and the emotive power of music,…

  • The Music of Karl Jenkins – Concert Roundup!

    What was the highlight of Saturday night’s concert? Was it seeing Brent Van Dusen, Rob Maciak, and Bob Fenske cover six percussion parts between the three of them – often a different instrument and rhythm in hands and feet (!)? Was it the beautiful solos sung by Paul Grindlay, Jessica Lutzak and Win Hume? Was…

  • The Benefits of Sight Singing

    Sight-singing means taking a piece you’ve never seen, or heard before, and singing your way through it, or a section of it. This can be an intimidating process, but it can be very beneficial for singers: #1. Conquering fear: Many people don’t like sight-singing because it makes them incredibly vulnerable. The risk of singing a…

  • Winter Retreat 2016!

    Our second Winter Choir camp retreat was a lot of fun, thanks to the caring leadership of chaperones, hard-working and enthusiastic kids, and great weather! We spent much of the day Saturday rehearsing Requiem and In These Stones Horizons Sing, by Karl Jenkins, for our mass concert on February 27. Three of our chaperones are…

  • Choir As Community

    There have been many studies in recent years that describe the physical and psychological benefits of singing. Choral music is unique in that it combine the benefits of singing, with the added benefits of being part of a community: #1. Shared interests: Those people who choose to join a choir are joining for a variety…

  • The Value of Singing Acapella

    The term acapella refers to singing without any accompaniment by instruments. The word is Italian, and means, ‘of the chapel’. It refers to early sacred music, when instrumentation was not permitted inside the church, and specifically the chapel. Only human voices were permitted, and thus acapella music was created. There are many benefits to singing…

  • 5 Ways In Which Singing Makes You Happier

    #1. Endorphins: Singing releases the same chemicals in your brain that exercise does. These chemicals, called endorphins are responsible for positive feelings. The more one sings, the more our brain is flooded with these chemicals, and the happier we feel! This also serves as positive reinforcement for our behavior, and it is likely why people…

  • Welcome To 2016!

    We’re very excited to begin the second half of our 2016 singing season! Coming up on February 27th, 2016, we have a very special mass choir and orchestral performance. We will be performing two works by Karl Jenkins, In These Stones Horizons Sing, and Requiem. We are inviting any parents, friends, and our CCC alumni…

  • A Child’s Carol 2015 – Concert Roundup!

    I think that even more important than singing well, is the camaraderie and sense of ensemble that our choristers bring to every rehearsal and performance event. The performing comes out of a deep respect and love for the music and each other. This is what is rewarding for me, in the experience of a concert,…