Aiming to start off their brand-new story on a high note that can be heard around Cochrane, the newly re-branded adult choir, Cochrane Sings, is gearing up to make their musical debut in the community.
Director of Cochrane Sings, Lee Ann DeCoteau, said that prior to the transition, she was originally approached to open a Cool Choir branch in Cochrane in January of 2022. After a successful musical season, she decided to launch a new community-oriented choir in town.
Outside of the administration hiccups that come along with opening a new choir in Cochrane, DeCoteau said although they have a new name, their singing still remains the best in Cochrane.
“Everything else from the singing point was absolutely seamless, and everybody was super excited to move forward with this new chapter, everyone had a hand in helping name the new choir, and just the element of energy and excitement has been off the chart,” DeCoteau said.
With the group making their official debut in the Cochrane Labour Day Parade, DeCoteau said there is a lot of interest from members of the community and surrounding areas, who want to be part of the many voices that make up the choir.
In terms of what residents can expect for different performances in the community, DeCoteau said the group plans to continue to be active in Cochrane and aims to deliver their songs in-person however they can, through flash mobs, performing at events in the community, and many other ways they can spread their joy of singing.
“Part of my mission statement that I created was that a community choir should be out in the community,” DeCoteau said.
With two-hour rehearsals each week, DeCoteau said an important aspect for Cochrane Choir will be providing everyone who lends their voice to the choir, the chance to experience a natural singer’s high.
“What my goal is week-to-week is to make sure that people leave happier and more relaxed than when they came at the beginning of the two hours,” she said.
She added that the choir provides an outlet for members of the community to meet one another and develop new friendships with those who share the same love of singing.
“As new people are coming on board, it is almost overwhelming to feel such warmth and welcoming arms and voices into this new music community that they’ve just stepped inside of,” DeCoteau said. “And that’s just very fulfilling for me as a director to witness that.”
Through Cochrane Sings, DeCoteau said it opens the door to many who wish to join the choir by significantly lowering the fees to join.
DeCoteau added that those looking to join can try two consecutive rehearsals for free, prior to joining Cochrane Sings. She also extends an invitation to every male singer in the community, adding that the choir is inclusive to everyone and hopes to see more male voice take part in their musical endeavour.
For those looking to be part of Cochrane Sings, DeCoteau invites those who are interested to the All-Saints Anglican Church on Monday evenings, starting on Sept. 11. Rehearsals run from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Those looking to lend a voice can also do so online by emailing [email protected] or by visiting their official Facebook page.
