Amateur singers invited to participate in project

Ever sing in the shower? How about belting out some tunes while driving? Whether it is a passion, hobby or the joy of singing, you can join your not-for-profit colleagues in song as part of a unique community project.

Sudbury’s award-winning barbershop chorus, Nickel City Sound, is challenging employees of all local not-for-profit organizations to take part in its second annual “When I Sing” community wellness project.

Absolutely no singing experience is needed – in fact, the Nickel City singers look forward to teaching everything they know about a-cappella-style singing (without instruments) and the joy of creating vocal harmony.

“Singing together creates a sense of belonging,” said Judith Duncan, project co-ordinator. “There is a lot of research now showing how singing has positive benefits on your health. It’s about singing with community to promote wellness.

“Our group thought ‘Why can’t other people in the community enjoy the same benefits from singing that we do?’”

The “When I Sing” pilot project turned the stage around: instead of performing for an audience, they volunteered to coach groups in the community to sing.

The pilot “When I Sing Festival,” performed last April, where children as young as five and seniors 80-plus shared the benefits of singing with individuals and community organizations. A resounding success, the initiative won the Healthy Community Recognition Award by the City of Greater Sudbury.

This year's project concludes on April 18, 2015 with a community concert performed by all participating choruses.

Groups signed up to date include Greater Sudbury Police, Sudbury and District Health Unit, Science North/Dynamic Earth, Rainbow District School Board, local media and the City of Greater Sudbury.

For more information, contact Leanne at [email protected] or 705-670-8633.