There are Songs Singing in my Bones…
-Alexandra Blakely
The Songkeepers
A creative collective of women (and non-binary folks who identify with women’s communities) exploring ancestral folklore, poetry and song. This season, in our weekly gatherings, we will explore myth and conventions of the Heroine’s Journey as land keeper, well tender, and songkeeper. We’ll explore the skins we wear, and what lies ahead in the undiscovered wood. Will you start down the path with us?
Let’s tell a new story, full of the wisdom we need in this time.
Ripening
The response to our choir has been a little breathtaking. What started as a non-audition choir exploring our ancestry through folklore and song has now grown to a group of friends who have led communities in song, performed sold-out shows, and appeared at community events like the Kaslo Jazz Festival and headed up the 1000 Voices for Peace Pop-Up Choir and Peace Walk.
We are now opening registration for a new season, beginning September 15, Tuesdays at 6:30. Most of our practices are at Taghum Hall, with occasional alternate locations.
Carrying on in the traditions of artists like Ma Muse and Alexandra Blakely, our shows get the whole audience participating. We strive to connect the community in the spirit of home and belonging. Our confidence and musicality have been improving. It’s suggested that you can carry a tune and have a sense of rhythm if you are new to our group. New singers will require some time at home with our practice tracks and lyrics, as we have a current repertoire of approximately 20 songs.
We’re not a fancy choir. We sing folk songs, front-porch music, and shelling-peas music. We clap, and we stomp. We have FUN! Come help us weave a tapestry of belonging…
This season, we will be switching things up, asking for a one year committment. We will not be having a “Christmas Show". We’ll be performing in the new year with a show late winter/early spring, as well as at the Doukhobor Festival (May Long Weekend). Other performances TBA. This will give us much more time to share and explore themes in our sessions before we go into “performance mode”.
Please fill out this form. We have very limited spaces available, and preference will be given to singers returning from last season. We often perform with our Sister Choir, Malina. Please send payment only after your place in choir has been confirmed. It is not required to attend every practice, however you will be required to have a buddy fill you in on what you missed.
Photo By Annika FaithRegistration Includes
36 Practices, September through June
Solstice Ceremony
Tea
Choir Books
Performances
Tea
Practice Tracks
WhatsApp Community Chat
$580 + gst
Payment Plan:
Deposit to hold your spot: 100 +gst
Payment 1 before first session: $250 + gst
Payment 2: February 1: $250 + gst
Choir Camp: $40 June 30-July 4
Overnight spots. You can come for the day for free. Max. 40 overnights, first come, first served. 
Sirens, are you READY?
Your seat by the fire is waiting…
Choir Camp
Last season market the first iteration of choir camp, our season finale, filled with songs by fire, fresh flowers, mermaid waterfall swims and an opportunity to strengthen the bonds we have been building as sister choirs.
Meeting at a private group site at Syringa, away from the main campground, join us for deep rest and easy living. We didn’t want to leave…
Next year’s campout is June 30-July 4th. If you would like to reserve an overnight spot (first come, first served), please indicate so on your registration. Cost for 4 nights: $40
FAQs
I don’t know my ancestry…
You will be an ancestor someday, and you can tell the story of this place now, along with the things that influence it: nature, culture, food, and music. You are invited to excavate stories of women and nature and determine what themes you would like to explore and what wisdom you would like to share. Adoptees are welcome to explore the ancestral culture of their family. People without close family ties can still explore the folklore and music found in their roots!
Will we sing in other languages?
We will be singing some Russian music, but we’ll also sing in other languages. One of our songs is in a Georgian language called Laz. We learn to sing by ear.
Do we use books?
Yes, you’ll receive a book full of music, poetry and prompts, however we perform off book. Extra practice is required at home with lyrics, and we have practice tracks and playlists to help!
What if I am not a Singer?
This year, it is suggested that new registrants have some singing experience and are comfortable with pitch and tempo. All singers from last season, even the ones growing their singing confidence are welcome to return.
I don’t connect to my ancestry: I come from a “boring” culture or one I’m not particularly proud of.
This is also something that comes up in our group. Sharing stories and songs also shares our humanity. We can acknowledge the hard feelings we have about our pasts, and we can also claim the beautiful parts that we often discard when we have challenging feelings about who we are or where we are from.
We might discover something we love about our story or ourselves, and perhaps settle a part of our inner spirit, even imparting joy.
I don’t like singing solo. Will I have to?
No. You do not have to do anything you don’t want to. When we do circle sharing, you are welcome to say “pass”. Registration forms will ask if you are interested in solo or small group work. Please note, solos are not guaranteed and are based on the creative direction of the song.
Can I try before I buy?
This used to be our policy, but it is no longer. Please attend one of our shows if you are interested in joining us in the future. Please register only if you are committed for the full season.