The COVID-19 pandemic has made choral activities more complicated!
However, after conducting two seasons under many precautions,
we resumed “almost normal” in-person singing in Fall 2022!
Currently, we continue to require that all singers be masked for rehearsals;
this approach will be reviewed as the 2022-23 Season continues.
Contact us for information on joining.
Ante Meridiem choir is a non-auditioned daytime choir for adults in Edmonton. We sing for enjoyment, wellness and learning more about singing.
We provide a choral opportunity for adults who want to sing in a supportive and educational environment. The four-part mixed AM choir (many of whose members are in the 50+ demographic) meets every Wednesday morning at 10 AM for two hours to rehearse a variety of music including traditional choral repertoire, contemporary songs, folk song arrangements and more.
“We endeavour to create a welcoming environment, addressing accessibility and performance issues of members.” – Past President Madeleine Henkemans
Heather Smith grew up singing at home, church, camp and in the car with her siblings and parents. Singing with the AM choir is “good for my soul,” she says, “and socializing with fellow choristers at coffee breaks also allows for expanding that experience.” While the choir is non-auditioned, “this does not mean the expectations are low.” With gentle encouragement, choir members learn and “strive to improve our skills.”
Choir member Richard Tarleton says “the AM choir is remarkable, with a soul and sense of purpose, offering a feeling of welcome and belonging. We benefit not only from the expertise of our director and his wicked sense of humour, but also from additional learning with voice section leaders. And, the daytime rehearsals allow us to miss the rush hour traffic and drive in daylight.”
The choir has numbered 87 members prior to the pandemic, and currently sits around 60, including singers who participate remotely.
When We Meet
The Ante Meridiem (AM) choir meets each Wednesday morning from 10 AM to noon from September through May.
Where We Meet
Our rehearsals take place at Unitarian Church of Edmonton, centrally located at 10804 119 St NW.
UCE is a modern building with a relatively high ceiling, good ventilation, good lighting, a great piano, and a good acoustic for rehearsals.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals typically include:
- a vocal and (gentle) physical warm-up
- group vocal technique work with section leaders
- rehearsal of several pieces of music with our director and accompanist
- social time over coffee and goodies (currently suspended since COVID…)
Performances
The AM choir performs a winter and spring concert each season and occasionally appears in performance with Vocal Alchemy.
Additionally, we perform several outreach concerts each year at senior care homes and hospitals in Edmonton.