How do I join Lift?

To join us, complete the on-line registration form on the Join Us page, pay your choir fees, and attend rehearsals.  That’s it – no auditions here – you are welcome in this fully inclusive, mixed voice adult community!

Can I try Lift before I join?

Certainly. You can attend a couple of rehearsals before deciding whether to join us.  You must register and pay your fees no later than the third rehearsal of each season.

What does the schedule look like?

There are two seasons per year:

• Spring 2025 will start on Tuesday, January 28th, with the concert being held on Tuesday, May 13th and Wednesday, 14th.
• Fall 2025 will start on Tuesday, September 9th, with concerts being held on Tuesday December 9th and Wednesday December 10th.

When and where to we rehearse?

We rehearse on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8:30pm.  We also hold two to three workshops each season on Saturday mornings.  We are grateful to the Church of Christ the King, 2000 Loch Lomond Rd, Saint John, NB E2N 1A2 (view map) for providing our rehearsal and performance space.  There is ample parking and the building is fully accessible.

Lift Community Choir rehearses in a church. Is it a religious choir?

No, we are simply very fortunate and grateful to be welcomed by the Church of Christ the King community for our rehearsals and shows.

What about performances?

Christmas season: two public performances in early December
Spring season: one public performance mid-May, before the Victoria Day weekend

These performances are open to all on a pay-as-you-can basis, with proceeds to be shared with a local charity. 

We may also perform at community events, such as shows for care home residents,which will vary from season to season.

How much does it cost?

Choir members are asked to pay a fee at the beginning of each season (fall and spring).  Fees are payable by e-transfer to info@liftcommunitychoir.ca (preferred) or in cash at rehearsal.  Fees will be $75 per season.

Where does the money go?

The choir’s primary expense is music.  We perform only music that we have purchased in support of the talented composers and arrangers who create it for us.  Fees include your music, which typically costs about $40 per choir member, per season. 

While the Artistic Director donates his time to the choir, any additional musicians are paid for their time and talents.  Space rental,  marketing, supplies, and other items make up the balance of expenses.  We are a not-for-profit corporation, and as such our membership will receive full financial disclosure at each general meeting.

Do I need singing experience?

We often hear “I love to sing, but I’m not a singer”. Some members will have had choir experience but many will not.

Everyone has a voice – sometimes it just needs a little help finding its way!  Don’t worry! You’ll be surrounded by other singers who will support you because they’ll be singing too. That’s the exciting thing about singing as a choir – everyone supports everyone else, and the sound of so many voices singing the same part as yours will help you to find the way.

Hint: if you’re someone who hasn’t had a lot of singing experience or doesn’t read music, find the experienced singers and sight readers and sit next to one of them during rehearsals. 

Will I have to sing alone?

The artistic director might ask you to sing a few notes as part of a small group or on your own to help confirm your vocal range.   Other than that, you’ll always be singing with your section or the entire group, unless you choose to audition for a solo. 

We know that it may take some courage to come out and join Lift, but you’ll soon find that your fears were unfounded. You’ll have lots of support from people who’ve been exactly where you are!

What happens at a rehearsal?

During each rehearsal, the artistic director takes us through a warm-up and a number of songs. At first we are just getting a feel for the songs as each section learns their parts. We’ll be singing in three sections – soprano, alto and baritone (arrangements are suitable for tenor or bass voices). We laugh a lot. Fine tuning happens in later weeks and the results are pure magic.

What if I miss a rehearsal?

Most of us will miss an occasional rehearsal. You’ll be expected to review what you missed, and rehearsal notes will be provided by email each week. If you will miss more than 3 rehearsals in a season, we ask that you consult with the artistic director about your ability to sing in the concert. Everyone is expected to attend the dress rehearsal (the one immediately before our big shows) and all public concerts.

Who chooses the songs?

The artistic director chooses the program. Music for the full year is normally chosen during the summer months, and the program for this spring season is already set.

What kind of music do we sing?

We sing a little of everything: pop, light classical, jazz, spiritual, international, show tunes, and of course holiday and Christmas music, at a variety of difficulty levels. There is something for everyone on each of our programs.

 

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