Music as healing
Community choir open to anyone who wants to sing
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, November 3, 2016
INUVIK
It's flu shot season but Inuvik's community choir offers another kind of healthy practice.
Chris Garven, left, Jonathon Newhouse and Simon Jozzy practise their singing during a community choir session Thursday, Oct. 27. This year, the choir hopes to put on additional shows beyond the regular one at the Christmas concert. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photos
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"Singing is good for the soul," said choir leader Anne Kokko.
"There's scientific research that says singing is healing, (and) music is a healing power. My attitude is just that it's good for the soul. It's a fun group of people learning something new and being part of some really fun music."
She has upwards of 20 people involved in the choir this year, though more are always encouraged to come out. Adults of any skill level are invited to check out the group's practice sessions and see if it's something for them.
"Anyone can join no matter what your skill level," Kokko said.
"Male, female, if you've never sung before, (or) if you've sung lots, you're welcome to come out."
The only prerequisite is a good attitude.
"My fundamental attitude is no judgement," said Kokko.
"I'm not going to tell you, 'You're out of tune!' I'm not mean like that. This is an inclusive community choir open to anybody and everyone that's adult. Even if you don't know how to read music, that's fine."
Since last year, Kokko has been leading the choir and trying to up the group's practice time and number of shows.
The choir regularly performs at the annual Christmas concert at the Igloo Church, but Kokko hopes to hold more performances this year.
She's considering a musical, perhaps in the Broadway style, but without the dancing.
"I don't know how to teach that," she laughed.
"I hope to tell everyone at the Christmas concert to come out on this day in January."
Kokko is grateful this year for the Anglican Church donating the use of its facility and piano for free.
"There are not a lot of good spaces where there's also a piano available," she said.
"It's really nice to have that space."
The choir meets for weekly sessions on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Anglican Church.
Anyone is welcome to attend and see what it's about, or contact Kokko for more information.
