The Cochrane Young Singers are spreading Christmas cheer this season with two concerts in Calgary and a third here at home.
The organization, currently in its seventh year, is a community choir – which means children do not have to audition to earn themselves a spot in the group. The youngest in the junior choir is six years old, with the oldest in the senior choir being 17.
“The only pre-requisite for joining is all the kids love to sing,” said artistic director Melanie Baux, adding about 25 kids make up the full complement of singers.
Earlier this week, the group travelled to Calgary to perform at the second of two senior Christmas dinners at Lions Village. Baux said it’s been inspiring for the youth to share their passion with others – who love their songs almost as much as they do.
“They were cheering and whooping in between, and they were so excited to have us,” Baux recalled of the crowd. “This is sort of making their Christmas experience.”
The Cochrane Young Singers hope to keep the merry momentum going when they next perform on Dec. 20 in the Community Room at Cochrane Toyota.
The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. and will feature holiday-themed songs from the junior and senior choirs – as well as a Christmas set together as a full group. Donations for admission will be accepted at the door.
Baux, who is classically trained with a degree in musical performance, said she works with the children on the fundamentals of song – but most of all, the choir instills in them a confidence and love of performing.
“They’re learning something about proper singing technique,” she said, “but they don’t know – because they’re having fun.”
