ChoirKids and Arbutus Singers Concert- Let Our Voices Shine

Entrance to this event in Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at the Victoria Conservatory of Music at 900 Johnson Street.

Entrance: $20 suggested donation

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About the Concert

Join us for an uplifting afternoon of music as ChoirKids and the Arbutus Singers come together for Let Our Voices Shine—a joyful celebration of community, connection, and the power of singing together.

Co-hosted by Jack Boomer and Annika Sauser, this concert showcases singers of all ages, from young voices just beginning their musical journey to seasoned performers united by a shared love of music. Audiences can look forward to a vibrant and diverse program featuring beloved classics and contemporary favourites, including music by Carole King, Ike & Tina Turner, Bruno Mars, and selections from Moana and The Greatest Showman.

Harmony In The Making – The Arbutus Story

Established in 1998 by Jack Boomer, the Arbutus Singers has blossomed from a modest group of 15 singers to a flourishing choir of over 60 members. Rehearsals are held regularly at the Wellesley of Victoria, providing a communal space where they come together to hone our skills and create music. As a versatile choir with 4 to 6 parts, they take pride in diverse repertoire. This blend of genres ensures that our performances offer something for everyone. The Arbutus Singers are more than just a musical ensemble – they are a tight-knit diverse community united by their shared passion for music and commitment to spreading joy through our performances. Whether they are singing at local events, retirement homes, or community gatherings, their mission remains the same: to uplift spirits and create lasting memories through music.

ChoirKids

The concept of ChoirKids came from the Arbutus Singers’ desire to provide kids with the opportunity to sing in a non-auditioned choir, in communities that might not currently offer it, simply for fun and for free. Spearheaded by Jack Boomer and Jane Cowell, five members of the Arbutus Singers came together to form the Arbutus Singers Music Education Society in 2006. The goal, through a non-profit organization, was to establish children and youth choirs in the Greater Victoria area. The Society received charitable status in 2008. Through this educational program, they provide funding and personnel to develop and support children’s choirs in Victoria schools. Over the years, they have raised more than $400,000 for a variety of charitable organizations, with a significant portion secured through grants in support of ChoirKids.

In 2015, the Victoria Conservatory of Music was asked and agreed to adopt this wonderful program and since then, the ChoirKids program has touched the lives of over 2,000 young children across 8 local Elementary schools and continues to thrive as one of the VCM’s key music programs for children. ChoirKids is delivered tuition-free into participating local Elementary schools through the Conservatory’s Children’s Music Outreach. The program operates under the artistic leadership lead Instructor/Choir Director Annika Sauser.

ChoirKids is a non-auditioned choir program delivered through the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Music Outreach Program, into local Victoria Elementary schools. ChoirKids focuses on singing for fun, to foster love and appreciation for music. All music is learnt by ear and may include at times light choreography. Weekly rehearsals provide a range of “warm-up” games, and repertoire is drawn from popular folk tunes, and contemporary music, sung either in unison, or in two parts. Piano, guitar, and/or ukulele accompaniment is provided where appropriate, and end of term performance opportunities are arranged in coordination with all ChoirKids groups and the Arbutus Singers.

With Thanks

Thank you to Jack Boomer, the Arbutus Singers, Annika Sauser, Anna Lyman, and all our ChoirKids for sharing your voices and spirit, and for bringing this musical community together.

Venue Accessibility

The 900 Johnson Street entrance is wheelchair accessible at street level. There’s a drop-off zone out front, elevator access inside, and several accessible washrooms, including a gender-neutral washroom.

For priority seating or other accommodations, contact us in advance.

For full details, visit vcm.bc.ca/plan-your-visit