From May 24 to 29, 32 Choir III members of Guelph Youth Singers, along with conductor Linda Beaupré, accompanist Ken Gee and several chaperones, travelled to British Columbia on a SEVEC-sponsored exchange with the Whistler Children’s Chorus.
This program, run by Exchanges Canada, gives financial assistance to Canadian youth groups participating in cultural exchanges.
The meeting of the two choirs was a fond reunion, as the Whistler choir had visited Guelph in November. The Guelph choristers were billeted in Whistler choristers’ homes and were treated to beautiful scenic views as well as an inside view of life in Whistler.
Activities during the week included a tree-top trek above the rain forest via zip-lines, swaying logs, tire tubes, etc; concerts; a presentation on the black bears that reside in the Whistler area; shopping; a trip to Vancouver Aquarium and Granville Island; a visit to the cultural centre to learn more about the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations people; a bike and hike through Lost Valley; and more.
One highlight was singing the Olympic song I Believe in concert with the Whistler Children’s Chorus. The words of this song highlight the value of this experience: “I believe in the power that comes from ‘Canadians’ brought together as one.”
This trip allowed the youths to share the gift of choral music with others, to discover more about each others’ history, geography and culture, to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Canada and its people and to develop new friendships.
It was a delight to represent Guelph in this amazing choral exchange, particularly during this monumental Olympic year.
