What is Bytown Voices?
The Bytown Voices is a multigenerational non-audition (i.e., no tests to prove your vocal competency) community choir. We also welcome children. They are an integral part of the choir. The minimum recommended age is 9 (grade 4) and up as our rehearsal schedule and the literacy skills needed to enjoy our choir may not suit younger children.
The choir has sung continuously since 1999.
Made up of more than 90 enthusiastic singers from across the national capital region (ON/QC). The choir is SATB: sopranos, altos, tenors and basses.
The requisites to join are to:
have a love of music and singing
commit to attending a majority of our weekly rehearsals
do some home practice
have some rudimentary music literacy such as having sung in a choir in the past or having been exposed to some music lessons
contribute to the health of the group (volunteering, being welcoming, helping with organizational tasks etc.)
There are 2 sessions per year. (and a concert at the end of each session)..
The choir practices each Tuesday evening during the session from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Practices take place at St. Basil's Church, 940 Rex Ave off Maitland just north of the Queensway. The first rehearsal of the 2025 Fall session is Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Between weekly rehearsals, members are expected to set aside time to do home-practice optionally using the learning aids provided.
We perform two concerts per year, with additional outreach concerts at seniors' residences and long- term care facilities.
Masks are no longer required for practices or concerts but all choir members are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated and to stay home when sick.
We have a varied repertoire from various time periods, styles, cultures, languages and degrees of difficulty. As a non-audition and inclusive choir, the membership ranges from people singing in a choir for the first time to experienced musicians. Most importantly, many new members become long-time members dedicated to the community.
Our artistic director, Joan Fearnley, is an engaging conductor committed to bringing out the best in each member. Her music choices are thoughtful and varied with something for everyone and she will send you home enriched, energized and humming a tune after rehearsal. Joan is supported by our excellent pianist, Carla Klassen, our music team associate Devon Wastle-Thivierge, and our children's mentor Mélanie Hartshorn-Walton, as well as a dedicated volunteer executive board and volunteers from the choir and community.