Region 26 Annual Competition and Convention was held in Saskatoon April 27-30, 2023.

Magic City Chorus competed and placed second in the small chorus division, 5th overall and received the Most Improved chorus award. All of this PLUS hosted a fabulous convention. Congratulations MCC!

Saskatoon’s Magic City Chorus has moved from Zoom rehearsals to Hybrid rehearsals: Zoom and in-person at the rehearsal hall in Sutherland.

Magic City Chorus held a successful and educational coaching weekend with the fantastic Corinna Garriock from Halifax to coach us on our contest songs which, of course, will transfer to our entire repertoire. Wearing masks, lots of space on the risers, Aerus air cleaner in the space, and everyone double vaccinated – MCC makes this work. It is exciting to be back on the risers and working towards a goal of performing on our contest video on April 23rd and performing on April 24th at the Acoustic Theory show A Million Streams at the Roxy.

MCC appreciates the funding we received from Sing Canada Harmony for our coaching weekend. This support means so much to us and we urge you to support this worthwhile organization.

The 2022 Region 26 competition, Sparkling Through in ’22, is by video for quartets and choruses. You will have the opportunity to watch the virtual convention on May 1. Watch for more details.

While Valentine’s Day is a date that causes a variety of emotions, for a variety of reasons, there is one “true love” that defies a scheduled time frame: the Love of Music.

An interesting read from Medium.com explains our fascination with music and singing:

https://medium.com/live-your-life-on-purpose/research-explains-why-we-love-to-sing-24e6630a658d

Until we can share our enchantment with a cappella harmonies with you again, keep on singing, and remember that “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” ― Confucius

P.S. Can you recite the quote about music that Willy Wonka recited, in the original version of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory“? Extra points if you know who said it first!

If you discovered a passion for singing as a “pandemic hobby”, please note that we continue to welcome new members. We have a spot for you on our risers – both virtual, and (with fingers crossed) real.

See our “Join Us” page for more information.

It is with great sadness and disbelief, I must tell you that our dear friend and Magic City Chorus member, Yvette Jaspar, has died. Yvette suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm on December 17th, and died on December 19th. Yvette will be remembered for her love and caring for others, and for music. Yvette’s parting gift was the donation of her organs and tissues, so others may benefit. Our deepest sympathy to her husband Rob, and children, David (Kelly), Michelle (Jory and three-month-old baby Jay), Danielle (Lance), and her one sibling, brother Mel (Truann) from Vancouver. Yvette had been immersed in, and loving, her new role as Grandma to Jay Jay.

Yvette had so many chorus sisters – present and past. We are grieving together virtually, and wish we could give big hugs to the family, and each other. Magic City Chorus members, and former members, are reeling from this news. We remember Yvette lovingly, as she was the most caring and thoughtful person you could ever meet. Yvette has been a baritone and front row chorus member for over 25 years, recently receiving her 25-year pin, at our chorus outdoor COVID Longevity ceremony.

Yvette was the Membership Coordinator for many, many years, and you could count on Yvette to make guests feel comfortable at rehearsal. She would then nurture each new member through their first year in the chorus. That bond was never broken and dear friends were made. Even Yvette called herself the “mother hen” of all her chicks. Yvette also served our chorus on the Board as a member, and as the Chapter President. She eagerly took on the role of Official Panel Liaison when Regional contests were in Saskatoon. She was looking forward to her OPL role in 2022. Yvette joined in the fun and merriment when groups attended International Education Symposiums, International Convention, and any other barbershop events in the Region. Yvette was the 2013 Region 26 Honouree for the Spirit of 26 Award epitomizing spirit, strength, leadership, humour, and joy in all she does.

Yvette sang baritone in the chorus, as well as quartets 4Ever, Good Company, and On Track, plus several other fun quartets. So many laughs, so much music, so much love. Yvette loved music and song with all her heart.

Yvette’s love went beyond family, friends, music and song. She loved her feline family and the many bird friends that visited her in her yard. Whether it was her beautiful yard or fabulous home decor, Yvette had a great eye for beauty all around her.

We miss Yvette so much. As more information becomes available from the family, I will let you know. If you have a story to share, please post, or email me at norma.wallace@sasktel.net, so we can compile these memories for the chorus and the family.

Norma Wallace

#friendsarefriendsforever #weloveyouYvette #magiccityrocks #region26 #SweetAdelinesStrong #OrganDonation

Our 2020 Purdy’s fundraiser was a great success! Thank you to those who not only helped us reach our goal, but surpass it. We truly appreciate your support.