One warm September evening, about two dozen people gathered in the upstairs room at The Hub: Art and Music in Smiths Falls. They had heard about the new group from friends or they saw an ad on Facebook about a brand-new adult choir called Sing Your Heart Out.
“I joined this choir because I loved the idea that I would learn more from Ambre, as she wanted to teach us more about how to use our voices to sing. I appreciated that the choir was practicing right in Smiths Falls and that the Hub: Music and Art was promoting the Arts in many ways,” said Joni Thornley.
Choir Director and singer-songwriter Ambre McLean has been leading a youth choir for a few years now. “When I started thinking about running a choir, I considered many things. First and foremost, I wanted it to be accessible to singers of all levels. Not everyone knows how to read music, and I didn’t want that to deter anyone from joining and enjoying the experience of singing with other voices,” she said. “Singing can be a very visceral and physical experience, and you don’t need to be an expert to explore your voice as an instrument.”
She knew she’d created something special on the first night of Sing Your Heart Out. “There were goosebumps and tears and laughter as we all realized that we were becoming a team. No voice was more important than the next, and in that space, everyone had a chance to shine.”
“From the first SYHO gathering, I felt I belonged,” said Carol Lyng, a new resident of Smiths Falls who joined the choir to meet people in her new community.
“Choir night has become the highlight of my week,” said Gail Dajenais, “what surprised me the most was how supportive and connected our group has been from day one.”
The choir members agreed. “I think what we have created together is awesome,” commented Linda Pipher.
“We just kind of came together so easily,” said Kathryn McKeigan. “Also, singing is such a release and every time I leave there, no matter how hard the day was, I always feel so good.”
Instead of assigning parts and places, McLean encouraged the choir members to be active participants in creating parts and finding their natural fit in each song.
“Ambre allows everyone the freedom to be creative,” said Ruth Anderson, “Nothing makes you feel better than to sing your heart out!”
Allison Kelly said that was the best part for her as well. “Those shared moments of laughter while we figure out a song or the goosebumps after we know we nailed the harmonies … to see it all come together was really great.”
“In the beginning, I assumed that we would be directed on how and what to sing. Not the case. We all have input in some form or another. It totally gels everyone together and creates a feeling that it’s not just a choir but ‘our’ choir. SYHO is truly my music therapy,” added Julie Bush.
Sing Your Heart Out’s inaugural performance was the night of the Holiday Train in Smiths Falls. They gathered on the steps of the Station Theatre and sang Christmas carols to the delight of merrymakers who were lined up for hot chocolate. Led again by Ambre McLean on guitar, the choir also led the town’s carol-singing at the festive lighting ceremony under the water tower in Centennial Park. Their term-end recital was held at Station Theatre on December 9. They sang Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, Tennille Townes’ Beautiful Things, and of course, the Trews’ Sing Your Heart Out.
“It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Singing in front of an audience at the recital was terrifying but also so exhilarating,” Kori Bigelow said.
The choir will run again from January to April 2024. Sign-up is open on The Hub’s website: thehubmusicart.com.
