Welcome to our 2023 Spring Concert
We are thrilled to be singing together and so happy that you’re here.
Our Program:
President of the Avalon Singers and MC: Lydia Haight
Queen of Soul - soloist - Amy Hoggard
The Valley
You Don't Own Me
Your Song
Truly Brave - soloists - Leona Wade and Lesley Lockie
Hallelujah
bel canto
Intermission
bel canto
Avalon Singers
Sister Act
Lullabye (Good Night my Angel)
All I Have to Do is Dream
This is Me (soloists - Leona Wade and Amy Hoggard)
Only Time
Why We Sing
Shannon Oaks - April 2023
Alexander Mackie Lodge - April 2023
Arbutus Singers 25th Anniversary Concert - April 2023
Choral Director: Laurie
Walker
Laurie
is well known for his high caliber student choirs at Monterey,
Lampson and Eagle View Schools here in Victoria. He is
also the former Director of the very accomplished and popular Youth
Choir 61.
Laurie has been
involved with adult singers for many years. He was Musical
Director of the Victoria
Village Squires in
the 1990s and the Arion
Male Voice Choir 2002-2011
- the longest continuing male choir in Canada. Laurie also
formed a mixed choir named Odonata for
a few fabulous seasons ending in 2013. In 2016, Laurie
retired from directing the Crystal
Singers after
19 years of dedicated service. He is currently the beloved
Director of the Avalon Singers since 2007.
In 2009 and in 2017,
Laurie was awarded the Amy Ferguson Award for Excellence in
Choral Directorship by the BC Choral Federation. Laurie's
knowledge of music, his ability and technique, entwined with his
animated sense of humor, make the Avalon Singers rehearsals and
concerts a wonderful place to be.
Kathy
Russell is our very talented and accomplished Accompanist.
Kathy has her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree’s in Piano
Performance from the University of Victoria, as well as many
notable scholarships, awards and accolades. She was also
awarded for outstanding, long-term service as a choral
accompanist by the BC Choral Federation. She also has her own
Music Studio – The Painted Piano. Visit her website to learn
more about her incredible qualifications and accomplishments. We
are so very grateful for Kathy, and grateful for the partnership
that Laurie and Kathy have forged over the many years of working
together. What a team!
Percussionist: Caleb Patstone
Caleb Patstone, came to the Avalon Singers in 2019 as a grade 11 student at Pacific Christian School, who had officially been playing percussion in concert band since sixth grade. He played auxiliary percussion in jazz bands in grades 7 through 9, and in beginning in tenth grade was the lead drummer for the PCS Jazz band. He is currently a creative writing student at U. Vic. This is his third time performing with any choir, and it’s been an amazing experience for us all! Avalon Singers are VERY grateful for you, Caleb!
OurGuests:
bel canto
Music Director : Maureen Archambault
Maureen is a former elementary school and choir teacher and was involved in numerous choirs throughout her career. bel canto is an a cappella choir that was formed in 2016. It is the outgrowth of Youth Choir 61 which Maureen directed for 20 years and which during its early years, was founded and co-conducted by Maureen and Laurie Walker!
This small group is absolutely dedicated to making music. They meet regularly now, but all through Covid, met through zoom and during that time made a number of audio/video recordings. Like us all, they are so happy to once again rehearse in person. Other than a couple of small home concerts, this is their first public concert since December 2019. "We’re so happy to be here and so appreciate the Avalon’s for inviting us to be their guests." We're happy you're here too!
Special thanks to…
John Battle – our talented and dedicated videographer who has outdone himself again! John is filming from all angles now, and expertly editing our concerts for our popular YouTube Channel. He has been filming our Sing outs too at Senior homes. Preserving our memories means so very much to us, John. Thank you!
Johnny B Productions - 250 818-8302
St. Andrew’s Regional High School –
for generously providing us with a perfect rehearsal space every
Thursday night.
Finally, thank you to our families, friends and fellow singers for attending our concerts, participating in our fundraisers, and for sharing our joy for music.
What a wonderful community to be a part of.
We rehearse Thursday evenings and welcome new members
in the months of
September and January
Left to right - TOP ROW - Heather Fraser, Ann Ovstaas , Colleen Pommelet, Kim Martelli, Tina Voak, Marcia Eberl. MIDDLE ROW - Amy Hoggard, Elizabeth Whittaker, Leona Wade, Terri Chyzowski, MaryAnn Willis, Cathy Cavin FRONT ROW- Lydia Haight, Laura Lavallee, Margaret Martens, Lisa Lasagna, Cindy Kernohan, Lori Macdonald, Susan Palmer, Madeleine Lelievre. THREE IN FRONT - Percussion : Caleb Patstone, Pianist : Kathy Russell, Director: Laurie Walker. ABSENT FROM PICTURE - Lesley Lockie
Enjoy your Spring and Summer...
