Soundwaves - The Tofino Community Choir
by Martha Thomas, Tofino
Tofino’s community choir is making waves – sound waves,
that is. When a pebble is thrown in a pond it makes a ripple, a vibration
that travels outwards and can affect every fish in that pond, whether
near or far. Some fish may swim away in fear. Some may swim closer
to see what is making the vibration – sounds interesting.
The same thing is happening every Tuesday evening at the Community
School. A group of us are making those ripples, creating vibrations
and harmonies with our voices. As we do so, more and more people
are coming to see and join us, from as far as Long Beach and Ucluelet.
We are a growing group, and the vibrations are extending further
and
further. We are no longer a tiny pebble. We are a rock.
The community choir was inspired by Shivon Robinsong last spring
when she came to our Tofino pond to get us singing. With the workshop, “Sing
for Your Life”, she helped us to raise our voices, hearts and
spirits as we conspired together; that is to say, breathing together
and making sound. And not just any sound, but wonderful harmonies with
many voices.
It was a slow start from there, with just a few die hard singers
meeting at first. But this fall and winter has shown that many are
wanting
to sing, and not just those who have full confidence with their voices,
but the shy ones with little or no experience as well. Many of us have
been musically wounded at some point in our lives, having been told, “You
can’t sing,” or “You are tone deaf”. Some who
come to sing are recovering from this wound. Shivon Robinsong speaks
the truth when she tells people, “Anyone can learn to sing.” And
so with a commitment to the choir, people can learn to sing and heal
from this erroneous belief. We have created a safe, encouraging, non-judgmental
place for people to come and find their voice; then, to let it out.
Every week I see people of our communities come together and share
this love of song and singing. And when we are not singing, there are
smiles and laughter all around. It is truly a wonderful way to lift
your spirits and to heal those musical wounds we may have.
In our choir, we help the voice by doing focused warm-ups. As we
do so, we build confidence and improve the song bird in all of us.
The
choir is led by one of our newest community members, Sandi Rideout,
who brings many years of experience in the field of music and song.
With her expertise, she leads us through a whole array of multicultural
music, with selections from Japan and South Africa. We are especially
grateful for her as she keeps us all in line and in key!
We are excited, too, to let the community know that Shivon Robinsong – our
inspiration – is returning to Tofino on the weekend of June 5th
and 6th to present another vocal workshop. If you haven’t had
the astonishing experience of working with Shivon, don’t miss
it. You’ll be amazed at what she can help you to achieve! Watch
for further information as the time draws nearer.
So, all of you who love to sing in the shower, on the beach, or in
the woods – come and join us! Cast the fears and shyness away
and let your voice be heard in this relaxed and supportive environment.
Remember, it’s about having fun, learning and growing together
in song.
You can check out our choir, “Sound Waves” at the Wickanninish
Community School every Tuesday at 7:00p.m. You can also catch us in
concert at the upcoming Hospice Society fundraiser on May 28th at the
Clayoquot Community Theatre (watch for more info coming soon). Hope
to see you there!
- Tofino Film Festival: February 17-20, 2016
- Pacific Rim Whale Festival: March 12-27, 2016
- Artsplash PRAS Art Show: March 12-20, 2016
- Tofino Shorebird Festival: April 29 - May 1, 2016
- Feast! Tofino-Ucluelet: May 6-22, 2016
- Clayoquot Island Open House: May 21-22, 2016
- Tofino Public Market: May - September, 2016
- Tofino Food & Wine Festival: June 3-5, 2016
- Pacific Rim Summer Festival: June 30 - July 9, 2016
- Ukee Days: July 22-24, 2016
- Tofino Lantern Festival: August 14, 2016
- Tofino Beer Festival: September 26, 2015
- Queen of the Peak: September 30 - October 2, 2016
- Tofino Oyster Festival: November 17-19, 2016
- Tofino Winter Celebration Artisan Festival: Dec. ?, 2016
- West Coast Winter Music: Nov. 2, 2015 - April 2, 2016
Soundwaves - Tofino's community choir - was inspired by Shivon Robinsong and meets every Tuesday in Tofino.