A children's singing group has been lending their incredible voices to spread joy and patriotism throughout the Saanich Peninsula.
REACH! Children's Chorus were recently featured in a music video of O Canada, which was filmed in various locations across the region.
They were invited to perform their version of our national anthem live at this year's Canada Day ceremonies at the Legislature. They have also performed at events such as Human Solidarity Day and a benefit concert for refugees. In Sidney, people packed the Shoal Centre in December to enjoy hearing them lead the Community Christmas Singalong there.
The chorus group is for children ages 7 to 12. The only requirements for these children to join is a deep passion for music and a desire to make a positive difference in their community. It is an inclusive, non-auditioned group with fees subsidized with support from the Victoria Foundation.
“We’re all about doing positive things in the community and bringing joy to others through music," says Anne-Marie Brimacombe, director of the group. "No one is excluded due to economic circumstance."
The program is all about doing positive things in the community and bringing joy to its members. The REACH! Children’s Chorus is one of seven programs offered in the region by West Coast Reach Association, a registered local charity celebrating inclusion and diversity through the performing arts.
One of the programs helps newcomers learn English through singing, while another brings "positive energy and purpose" to those at Victoria soup kitchens. REACH! also has a recreational music program on the Saanich Peninsula,“Joy of Music,” for adults with developmental disabilities.
The REACH! program has helped its artists develop long-lasting friendships while experiencing the thrill of performing in major shows and, most importantly, having some good old fashioned fun in the process.
The chorus holds rehearsals weekly at McTavish Academy of Art in North Saanich, with some spaces available for the upcoming fall term.
