New Voice, New Choirs
Sharon Marnell didn’t intend to become a community choir founder. A recent arrival to Vancouver Island, she was simply trying to ease two frozen shoulders in a public hot tub when a candid remark about her singing changed the course of her life. “You sing nicely. You couldn’t join our choir,” someone told her, a moment that stuck. Instead of retreating, Marnell decided to create spaces where singing is about joy, connection, and personal expression—no audition required.
From Self-Doubt to Open Doors
The story of Marnell’s unsolicited critique is one many newcomers know well: the pressure to prove one’s worth in a hobby that cherishes tone and technique. But on Vancouver Island, a growing movement is flipping the script. Marnell is launching several inclusive choirs that welcome people who may describe themselves as “tone-deaf” or unsure of their musical abilities. The goal isn’t perfect pitch; it’s the shared happiness of making music together, in a supportive and low-pressure setting.
Why Inclusive Choirs?
Inclusive choirs are designed to lower barriers to participation—cost, confidence, and perceived talent. They center on rhythm, breath, and expression rather than strict intonation. In a province famous for its natural beauty and tight-knit communities, these choirs offer a new kind of social glue: a weekly space where neighbors, new arrivals, long-time residents, and families can build friendships through singing.
What the Programs Look Like
Each session combines simple vocal warm-ups, group singing of familiar tunes, and opportunities for solo or small-group breaks for those who want them. The repertoire leans toward upbeat folk, pop classics, and easy choral arrangements that celebrate common human experiences—joy, resilience, and solidarity. Because the aim is participation over performance, the environment is designed to be encouraging, with a culture of supportive feedback rather than critique.
A Strong Sense of Belonging
For newcomers like Marnell, the choirs serve a deeper purpose: helping people planted in a new place feel seen and heard. “When you move to a new community, building a sense of belonging is essential,” she notes. “Singing together makes that happen naturally. You don’t need to be perfect to be part of something meaningful.”
Community Impact
Beyond the music, these choirs nurture social ties that extend into other aspects of life—volunteering, local events, and mutual aid networks. The model aligns with broader trends in Canadian communities prioritizing accessible arts programming as a tool for well-being and integration. Early participants report heightened confidence, new friendships, and a renewed sense of home on Vancouver Island.
Getting Involved
Prospective singers are encouraged to drop in or contact Marnell to learn about upcoming sessions, location details, and any materials participants should bring. There’s no audition, no pressure to perform for an audience, and no prerequisite musical background. It’s about showing up, singing at your own pace, and enjoying the shared experience of making music together.
Looking Forward
As the newcomer community grows, so does the appetite for more inclusive cultural activities. Marnell hopes these choirs will inspire other organizers to rethink who gets to participate in the arts. If the initial sessions are any guide, Vancouver Island could become a model for how to celebrate every voice—whether you consider yourself a virtuoso or a first-time singer.
For people longing to reclaim their singing voice in a warm, supportive setting, these choirs offer a hopeful path forward: a chorus where joy, connection, and belonging trump perfection, and where every voice has a place.
