Music

The Swamp Angels Community Choir

Brief History
After Pat Rix, of Australia, formed the choir through a series of workshops in the summer of 1999, many directors were auditioned over the fall of 1999 and winter of 2000. Since April, 2000, Susan Summers (a registered music therapist) has been the director of the Choir. Patti Powell joined as co-director in September, 2001 and since that time the group has been meeting weekly (except for Summer break) in a space donated by the CNIB.

Anyone can join the Choir and participate; there are no auditions; it is inclusive and accessible. The choir provides an accessible opportunity for members to sing regardless of ability, it builds confidence for them to be heard and be visible, it provides opportunities to develop as artists and provides a unique addition to the cultural mosaic in Vancouver.

Swamp Angels in performance

Performances

December 10, 2002: we hosted a holiday in-house concert at the CNIB. We invited our friends and family members for an evening of our repertoire and holiday (Christmas) songs. Eighteen members sang this evening, to 40 friends and family members.

November, 27, 2002: we performed at an S4DAC fundraiser. Twenty-one members sang that evening, with an audience of about 80.

June 20, 2002: we entertained for G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre's residents and family in their outdoor patio space. Seventeen members performed for about 30 people.

April 27, 2002: we were invited to perform for the Volunteer Appreciation party for the False Creek Residence (where some of our choir members live). We had sixteen perform that evening to an audience of about 60 people.

August, 2001: we participated in the kickstART! Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture opening ceremonies, along with the Holdfast Choir from Adelaide, Australia, as well as performed for the volunteers and performers party at the end of the weekend. Our own choir numbers grew to over forty for this occasion, which was combined with 20 Holdfast Choir members.

March 1, 2001: our first public performance was for the opening of S4DAC's Outside the Lines art exhibit. We had a choir of about eight members at that point.

Support

The Choir has been supported through contributions from the Vancouver Foundation, the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund and the Leonard Foundation.

Future plans include:

• write original songs that are created out of choir members' experiences, vocal sounds and life stories
• perform in more concerts, benefits, etc.
• continue to grow in numbers, strength, support of each other and in solidity
  of sound
• cultivate more community partnerships and sponsorship
• approach other choral groups in BC as partners to our choir (funding, concerts, repertoire)
• attend disability arts and culture festivals abroad