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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Fireweed Children's Chorus will begin its second season with its first rehearsal at Calvary Community Church next Tuesday.

Laura Hodgins sings in the Fireweed Children's Chorus production of Jabberwocky at the legislative assembly in May 2008. - Photo courtesy of Jackie Boersma

"We try to encourage a safe environment where everybody feels wanted and included and that they belong," said choir director Jackie Boersma. "Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to join the choir."

The season runs through the school year, wrapping up with an end of year concert in May or June.

There will also be a Christmas concert in December and possibly more performances if the choir is invited to take part in other choral events.

Last year 22 singers participated in the choir, which is organized under the umbrella of the Yellowknife Choral Society.

"We're really trying to encourage more boys to take part this year," Boersma said.

The instruction offered through the choir is an extension of the existing music programs in the school system.

"We want to give kids who love to sing a little bit of an extra challenge," Boersma said. "All students in the Fireweed Choir are encouraged to participate in their school music programs as well."

Last year the singers joined adult members of the Choral Society for a presentation of The Night Before Christmas.

Choir members will gather on Oct. 25 for a retreat at Northern United Place. That weekend includes instruction from a guest vocal coach, music games and community-building activities to help nurture friendships among the choir members. The singers learn about musical terminology, learn the basics of reading music, build their vocal technique and explore concepts relating to choral singing.

"It's a good amount of time to work on a repertoire for upcoming concerts," Boersma said.

This year's song list includes Klee Wyck, Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet, Inscription of Hope, Jamaican Noel, Red Dragonflies and a German piece titled Marienwurmchen, translated as "Ladybug."

The repertoire will match the skill level of the choir as a whole. The choir consists of a blending of strengths to make a unified choral sound, Boersma said. Extra support is provided for singers with less experience.

Adrian Wright and Shelly Gislason were instrumental in establishing the choir during its first season along with Boersma and pianist Sharon Chynoweth.

This year Chynoweth and Boersma are working as a team to organize the chorus. Parents are encouraged to get involved by assisting with some of the leadership and administrative tasks.

The young choralists gather at Calvary Community Church on Tuesday Sept. 16 at 4:30 p.m. Singers who did not register in advance are welcome to show up at 4 p.m. to do so. There are no auditions and singers at any skill level are welcome. The learning choir is open to students in Grades 4 through 8.