The Yellowknife Youth Choir held its 10th annual 40 Below Christmas Show on Sunday, led by conductor Susan Shantora.
It is a community choir with members ranging from grades seven to 11.
The 40 Below Christmas Show is one of two major concerts the choir performs at each year, held in the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. The choir also sings at the Yellowknife Music Festival and occasionally goes on tour, having visited Edmonton, Toronto and Nova Scotia in the past.
“The purpose is to celebrate Christmas, to celebrate peace and love, and to spread some joy,” said Shantora. “People really are very emotional when they hear children sing. It’s a lovely opportunity to present songs and have people enjoy that experience.”
The concert featured eight singers, an accompanist, a guest violinist and a co-teacher playing the glockenspiel. Shantora explained that the church is the perfect venue for vocal music due to its shape, the wooden pews and the beautiful resonance they create.
“This is my favorite place to sing,” she said.
Janelle Jordison, a member of the choir, said, “It’s quite fun. It’s like a small introduction to practising performing, especially on bigger stages for the music festival. And I really like just singing at the choir. It’s pretty silly and it’s not too stressful because it’s mostly just parents and locals coming down.”
Jordison’s journey with the choir began when she decided to join instead of taking piano lessons. Her mother, a music teacher, considered vocals an instrument and was supportive of her daughter’s decision.
Jordison grew up around her mother singing a lot and giving vocal lessons to others.
“I would sing along, just not loudly or necessarily the right notes. So now I can, and it’s just really nice,” she said of her growing confidence and abilities.
As for her future, Jordison doesn’t see singing as a career but wants to continue the pastime in any way she can.
“I just want to keep singing… whether it’s just a birthday party song for a friend in the future,” she said.