We are so very fortunate in the CCC to have a thriving community of not just present choristers, but alumni as well. Creating a sense of community, and belonging, is very important to us, and we work hard to make sure that the only requirement for inclusion in the CCC is a love of music! Here are 5 ways to help you cultivate community in choir:
#1. Join!
The single best way to help you cultivate community in choir is to join! Choir is tailor-made for celebrating our community, and at the CCC we pride ourselves on being welcoming, inclusive, and open to everyone who loves music! If you want to sing for the joy of it – come join us!
#2. Attend camp:
We purposely open our year with a camp – away from the city, and out in beautiful Bragg Creek, so that we can really bond as a group before we get into the busy singing season. This is one of the best ways to really form relationships with other choristers, because we spend all day together, for a whole weekend! Our children’s choir and youth choir also go on a winter retreat in January!
#3. Buddy up!
At the CCC we are all about mentorship! We are proud to have a long legacy of choristers who take care of one another, and so we have a buddy system, where the older choristers mentor the younger ones, and in turn are mentored by our Youth choir members. Being a good buddy is an excellent way to foster a community feeling, so lean into it!
#4. Learn from your neighbours:
Although we seat our choristers by section, getting to know the people sitting next to you in choir is a great way to meet new people. Have a chat with the person next to you (before choir starts, or at break!), and you’ll learn so much about them. Choir is all about listening, and learning from those around you, so make sure to absorb everything you can from those around you – no doubt they’re doing the same!
#5. Stay awhile:
Many of our choristers stay for years (sometimes even decades!) in the choir. We have medals that we give to choristers who stay in the CCC for 5, 10 and recently 15 years! It can be difficult to stay in one activity for a long period of time, especially when there are so many interesting activities out there, but we promise if you stay with us for a while, you will make some life-long friends, gain a new appreciation of quality music, and some essential life skills!
What are some other ways to cultivate community in choir? Tell us in the comments below!
