Westman Youth Choir a ‘really good experience’

The Westman Youth Choir has hit the road for its 45th season. This choir is composed of 54 youths from across western Manitoba, which have been described as passionate and talented singers.

Neepawa is well represented within the choir, as three Neepawa Area Collegiate Institute  students are in its ranks. These individuals are Siri Warwaruk, Charleigh Carefoot, and Marian Virtdazo.

Entry into the Westman Youth Choir is by audition, and all of its members gather for two weekends to rehearse at Camp Wannakumbac.

“[It’s a] scary [process],” the three Neepawa students laughed.

Virtdazo added, “Very nervewracking.”

“We have to sing O’ Canada and sight-read some music,” Warwaruk explained.

Each singer also has a differing level of experience with the Westman Youth Choir. For Carefoot and Virtdazo, this is a first-time experience. This tour will be Warwaruk’s third.

“It means so much to us that we can get together–and we just sound so good. It’s really great to be able to experience something like that,” said Warwaruk.

The trio also noted that it’s an incredible learning experience, with Warwaruk expanding upon that point.

“There are a lot of kids that go who are really experienced with learning music and reading it, so it’s a really good experience to learn that type of stuff as well,” said Warwaruk.

Now that preparations are complete, the choir is set to tour around Westman for both public and private performances.

Carefoot, Virtdazo, Warwaruk, and their 51 fellow singers begin their

Choir journey in Virden tomorrow. Then, after making their way to Hamiota and Strathclair, they will return to Neepawa on Oct. 20 to perform at the Neepawa United-Anglican Church. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. that day, with entry fees applying.

Legion Branch #23 president Lloyd Hall, and Neepawa Area Community Choir representative Blair Chapman. These local groups have sponsored Carefoot, Virtdazo and Warwaruk. The sponsorship will cover a portion of their registration costs.

For the readers of this paper in and around Brandon, a final concert will also take place in the city’s First

Presbyterian Church. This performance is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s choir is under the direction of Clint McLachan, of Brandon; and Kendra Obach, of Stonewall; and accompanied by Danielle Guina, of Brandon.