Founded in 2002, Òran is part of Edmonton's Kokopelli Choir Association. Òran began as an alumni offshoot of the Kokopelli Youth Choir, but it has since developed into a group made up of young adults from all over Edmonton and the surrounding area. Each b...  moreFounded in 2002, Òran is part of Edmonton's Kokopelli Choir Association. Òran began as an alumni offshoot of the Kokopelli Youth Choir, but it has since developed into a group made up of young adults from all over Edmonton and the surrounding area. Each brings a different viewpoint to the group, but all are united in their passion for singing. The choir stresses the same philosophical goals as its younger counterpart, striving to achieve musical excellence and artistic integrity, as well as combining new interpretive techniques with more traditional choral expertise. Above all, the group is dedicated to sharing joy in song with each other, with other choirs, and with audiences around Edmonton and across Canada. Òran was featured at the 2005 Festival 500 in St. John’s Newfoundland, and more recently, participated in the Laval International Choral Festival in Quebec in July 2009, as well as a cultural tour to Cuba in May 2011. Members of Òran travelled to Europe for a tour in July 2012 including stops in France, ...    less

The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School is one of the few South African schools whose fame extends around the world. This school offers a unique educational opportunity for children; it stimulates a boy’s spirit of adventure and exploration in the physical sur...  moreThe Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School is one of the few South African schools whose fame extends around the world. This school offers a unique educational opportunity for children; it stimulates a boy’s spirit of adventure and exploration in the physical surroundings of the school while nurturing the development of the mind and expression in innate musical talent.  

Kenyan youths are among the most vibrant youths not only on the African continent but inaguably the whole world. Kenya is a country of the youth according to the 2019 Population and Census results which shows that 75% of the  47.6 million population...

We love to give God praise and worship in High Definition.

Kikimasu (pronounced “kee-kee-mahs”) is part of Edmonton's Kokopelli Choir Association. Kikimasu (grades 4-6) offers a focus on thorough and excellent music education, with singers learning about healthy vocal production, the body-voice connection, an...  moreKikimasu (pronounced “kee-kee-mahs”) is part of Edmonton's Kokopelli Choir Association. Kikimasu (grades 4-6) offers a focus on thorough and excellent music education, with singers learning about healthy vocal production, the body-voice connection, and vibrant performance presence, as well as ant emphasis on musical literacy, music theory, and sightsinging skills. As with all our ensembles, Kikimasu provides a secure and accepting social environment where all singers feel their importance as members of the group. Most importantly, Kikimasu has fun and creates exciting music! Kikimasu means “hear it” in Japanese; you can look forward to hearing the music they make at every concert!  less

As part of the Vocal Art Ensemble's "Frankincense & Myrrh - A Caravan of Exotic Choral Treasures" concerts in December 2012, this Traditional Nigerian song arranged by Wil Whalum was the concert's "super finale encore", joined by dancers/instructors from ...  moreAs part of the Vocal Art Ensemble's "Frankincense & Myrrh - A Caravan of Exotic Choral Treasures" concerts in December 2012, this Traditional Nigerian song arranged by Wil Whalum was the concert's "super finale encore", joined by dancers/instructors from Fiesta DanceN' Fitness studio in Davis, CA. Director Tracia Barbieri. This video is part of a CD/DVD set that is available for purchase at VAE concerts.  

In this South African classic, a mother is overjoyed for her son who finally got himself a wife, after years of no luck in the romance department. She invites everyone, even the town's gossipers, to come and join in the celebration. Lyrics: Vul’indl...  moreIn this South African classic, a mother is overjoyed for her son who finally got himself a wife, after years of no luck in the romance department. She invites everyone, even the town's gossipers, to come and join in the celebration. Lyrics: Vul’indlela wemamgobhozi (Open the gates, Miss Gossip) He unyana wam (My baby boy) Helele uyashada namhlanje (Is getting married today) Vul’indlela wela ma ngiyabuza (Open the gates please) Su'ba nomona (Don’t be jealous) Unyana wam utshatile (My son has had a good catch) Bengingazi ngiyombon’umakoti (I never thought I’d see a daughter in law) Unyana wam eh ujongile this time (My son has been accepted (woman said yes)) Marhadebe, sus'ezoz' specs (MaRhadebe, take of your glasses/spectacles) Uzemshadweni ngiyashadisa namhlanje (Come to the wedding, I’m taking my son to the altar today) Bebesithi unyana wam lisoka (People said my son is (someone who doesn’t get women)) Bebesithi angeke ashade vul’indlela (People said he would never get marr...    less

[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

Music: Knut Nystedt Performed by Universitair Koor Antwerpen at their Christmas Concert "praise The Chord" on December 15, 2015.

Negro Spiritual Performed by Universitair Koor Antwerpen at their Christmas Concert "praise The Chord" on December 15, 2015.