The Saint Croix Courier

2008 Oct 3

Voices of the Bay sing out again

This Sunday, the Voices of the Bay choir will perform a concert in Grand Manan, making up for the event cancelled last Sunday due to weather warnings.

The choir had terrific concerts in St. Andrews and Eastport last weekend and are happy to have this opportuntiy to perform for those who didn't get a chance to attend.

Last weekend, the individual choirs impressed the audience with awide variety of songs, including at least one song written specifically for the concert. Talent level was high, and when the concerts all came together, merging about 100 voices into one, it was inspiring to both the singers and those listening.

Throughout the concert, there was an accompanying slide show with about 400 pictures taken around the bay, adding to the wonderful atmosphere of gratitude and appreciation for our unique area.

The choirs, from around Charlotte and Washington counties, rehearsed separately since early spring, with individual singers beginning with many different levels of skill and experience.

Over the summer, they worked hard, learning four-part harmonies and refining their abilities, and that dedication was evident in their concerts.

"Voices of the Bay" is the result of a conversation between Jean Doucet, the organist at the Wesley United Church in St. Andrews, and Hallie Bass, who is a member of the Grand Manan Community Choir. They wanted to combine their choirs for a concert. Dr. Lesley Pinder then suggested having many choirs from coastal communities participating to celebrate the bay and to raise funds for Save PassamaquoddyBay/Canada.

Pinder said that she was really please that their idea has worked out so nicely, with so many people wanting to sing and celebrate the bay.

"We are glad that we are able to bring together our singers again this weekend, on such short notice, so that those who still want to can come and celebrate with us in Grand Manan."

The concert will take place Sunday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. [AT] at Grand Manan Community School. Tickets cost $10 (students $5) and will be available at the door. Ferries to the island leave Blacks Harbour Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. [AT]. There is a return ferry at 7 p.m. [AT] after the concert.