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Community choirs and the people in them are something to sing about! Join Host Clayton Dyck and his international guests as they explore what makes them tick and how they bring much-needed harmony and wellness to our world.
15 Episodes
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Join host Clayton Dyck to learn what makes community choirs tick and how they foster joy, wellness and healthy communities worldwide. Premieres September 17!
How does a person get so lucky as to lead a community choir? Vancouver's Karla Mundy starts our series by sharing her journey as a choir director, how she harnesses choir energy, and how she selects her inspiring global repertoire. See us in Part Two for additional links, and links to the ChoirFolk Jukebox!
Karla and Clayton discuss the challenges one faces when using choirs to foster community connections and advocacy, and how she preserves wellness in her very busy life. She's also got ChoirFolk Jukebox suggestions for us! To get to the ChoirFolk Jukebox: Apple Music Spotify Additional links: A Full Concert of the City Soul Choir May 2024 A Full Concert of the Rhythm and Roots Choir Feb 2024 Songroots Home Page - Singing Camps and International Study Trips
Two communities are connected through choirs: those who sing in them and the ones they sing to. Chicago's Mollie Stone lovingly serves both groups. In Part One, she shares her journey from child singer to a celebrated choir leader. We'll also explore how she innovatively engages audiences (including babies!) through her choral projects and chat about the differences between adult and child singers. See us in Part Two for additional links, including the ChoirFolk Jukebox!
Mollie shares her exciting experiences working with music leaders in South Africa's AIDS community, and how they have influenced her approach to choral engagement and activism in Chicago. She'll also share her ChoirFolk Jukebox picks! Click on the links to listen: Apple Music Spotify Additional links: 2024 Lullaby Concert by the U of Chicago Women's Chorus About the U of University Chorus 2025 Songs of Comfort Concert - U of Chicago University Chorus and Women's Chorus South African Choral Concert (Clip)
Can choral singing literally bring back memories? Good Vibes Memory Choirs founder Erica Phare-Bergh shares how dementia choirs work, and how research is showing their benefits, not only for those afflicted with dementia, but their caregivers as well.
Erica and Clayton explore the vital role of communities in supporting dementia choirs and highlight an exciting new initiative that involves kids in these choirs. They also discuss how this is becoming a global movement! Check out Erica's ChoirFolk Jubebox picks here: Alberta Sky by Isabel Belina Apple Music Spotify Additional Links: Good Vibes Memory Choirs Voices in Motion overview and research
What's it like to be part of a community choir? City Soul Choir members Jo Neill, Juliana Koo and Michele Roger share their origin stories, discuss how they prepare and reveal how they approach their biggest fears when performing. It's also a bit of a party!
Jo, Juliana and Michele explore the "personalities" of community choirs and how choirs provide support and healing to members and audiences. They also share what makes them laugh and cry during a performance, and the value of a good throat lozenge. Additional Links: City Soul Choir performing Mojuba Michele Roger and Jo Neill performing Light of a Clear Blue Morning with City Soul Choir and the Island Soul Choir Jo Neill performing What You Don't Do with City Soul Choir and the Island Soul Choir They also share her ChoirFolk Jukebox picks! Click on the links to listen: Apple Music Spotify
Choir music is in the drinking water in South Africa! Choral leader and composer Bongani Magatyana shares his experience leading multiple church choirs, the pros and cons of choir competitions, and how he gets his choirs singing their best.
Bongani Magatyana shares how music brought healing to Cape Town's HIV positive community, how youth choirs help kids in its townships and what North American and South African choirs can learn from other. Hear his ChoirFolk Jukebox picks on Apple Music and Spotify! If you'd like to learn more: Bongani's Patreon account page Bongani Music Creations Performances: Gauteng Choristers Performing "Amabutho" by Bongani Magatyana Khayelitsha Youth Choir Performs "Stand Up"
Love to sing but afraid you're not cut out for choir? No problem! Clayton talks with Patti Powell about how her non-audition choirs, and how she brings out the best in her singers.
What makes a non-audition choir concert special? Patti and Clayton talk about outdoor singalongs, hospital choirs, and more! If you'd like to see Patti's choir in action click here for a recording of their most recent concert. She'll also share her ChoirFolk Jukebox picks! Click on the links to listen: Apple Music Spotify
What can one song do? Songsmith, singing leader and educator Sarina shares how she inspires and connects choirs and communities through her work, and how her vocal groups offer support and healing for those struggling with mental health.
Sarina and Clayton discuss the merits of choir "prescriptions" and explore how threshold choirs can help people through tough times. Also, how can song leaders help us get through the challenging times that lie ahead? Sarina's ChoirFolk Jukebox Picks can found on Apple Music and Spotify Additional Links:
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