Arts & Recreation one person’s voice from another. I sing two notes and have the person determine which one is higher—everyone can do that. Singing is a matter of experience and success with small steps. Those who don’t sing in tune, barring an auditory problem, simply haven’t had the experience of hearing themselves sing in tune. I can show them they have the ability to do that in about 15 seconds. Then, it’s just a matter of learning the skills.”
As a concert attendee, it has been inspiring to see the confidence, skill and repertoire of the group grow with each passing year. Choir members have seized opportunities to stretch their comfort zone and meet the challenges provided by their leader.
Growing Together
Throughout her career, Sharon has developed relationships with an ever-widening circle of musical friends. Many of them have participated as guests at the twice-yearly concerts—though the choir is community-based, both members and audiences have been given opportunity to broaden their musical horizons. Special guests have included vocalists Sonja Gustafson, Stacey Zegers, Amy Kozma and Nicole Dubinsky, and accompanists Sue Noorloos, Gillian Laidlaw and Laurie van’t Voort.
“What I love about small communities,” says Sharon, “is that you can start something at the grass roots and watch it grow.” The community is aware of the Treble Makers and concerts have been well attended and close to sold out since the second year. They have sung in Italian, German, French and Swahili—they couldn’t do that at the beginning. They have performed music from the 13th century to 21st century pop, music from the '60s, folk and classical. Each concert features at least one Canadian piece.
As the choir approached their 5th anniversary, Sharon looked for a way to make contributions to both the local and wider musical communities. It isn’t always easy to find music that is intelligent, interesting for women who may not have been brought up in choirs other than church, and with a singing range that fits their voices. “I want to contribute to the repertoire of interesting music for women that is accessible and not just ‘pop’ music. I want to feature Canadian composers (men and women) and to support them financially.”
There wasn’t a women’s community choir in the area and Sharon had mentioned the idea of starting one so many times to husband Rick that one day he said, “You really should just do it.” So she did.
The Treble Makers at a recent practice, with Choir Director Sharon Little at far right. (Photos by MG)
RELISH ELGIN EARLY SPRING 2012
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