COMMUNITY Peter Brimacombe
Uniting the Community through Music
Show November 30
The Reach! Diverse-City Singers performing at the World Refugee Day commemoration, Victoria City Hall. Retired former BC Notary Susan Mercer, (in blue, back row, third from right). Artistic Director Anne-Marie Brimacombe in front, (left, hands up)
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t has been said that disunity underlies many of the significant problems in our community and world. A dynamic nonprofit in Victoria is effectively counteracting that through the power of music. Established in 2017, West Coast Reach Association (WCRA) was established to celebrate diversity of ages, cultures, and abilities through the performing arts. Already it is offering four unique programs, bringing together very diverse groups of people through music. Susan Davis Mercer, former President of The Society of Notaries Public of BC, is on the Board of WCRA and actively participates in two
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of its groups. The Reach! Diverse-City Singers include new and established Canadians from more than 15 different cultures. “The camaraderie and enthusiasm are amazing,” says Susan, “and when we start Louis Armstrong’s song by saying ‘It’s A Wonderful World’ in over a dozen languages, it’s really touching.”
“The camaraderie and enthusiasm are amazing,” says Susan, “and when we start Louis Armstrong’s song by saying ‘It’s A Wonderful World’ in over a dozen languages, it’s really touching.” Susan is also a member of the Our Place OutReach Singers that bring together members of the street BC Notaries Association
Reach Performing Company members in rehearsal
Volume 28 Number 3 Fall 2019