We are more than a choir – we are a community with a common focus - music - we are in service creating music together and in creating music together we are in service to each other. You may at times be challenged by the music, yourself and with other people in the choir and to be in service to our community everyone needs to be treated with respect, dignity and be given opportunities to learn from mistakes. I have learned that there is no such things as a safe space but what we can do is create a brave space together where we can show up as we are and, of course, to sing. But life, along with the music, is not perfect. We need to be able to take ownership of mistakes and practice forgiveness for ourselves and others when we act clumsily or carelessly.
We have a diverse group of singers with wide range of experiences; some who have sung and performed in various art forms professionally, those who have much choir experience and are very comfortable with their own voices to some who are terrified of singing with others and are just learning to find their voices. We make room for all voices who want to sing!
Creating an inclusive singing environment
Absolute inclusivity is truly impossible, but I am committed to keep learning and creating an environment that feels welcoming and can include as many people as possible who want to do what we do. I need your help as a community to hold these values. Please visit the page on my website which discusses in more detail of how we are trying to be as inclusive as possible. https://www.karenporkka.com/decolonization-and-inclusion-in-community-singing
Alongside these structural barriers we sometimes arrive with our preprogrammed ideas of singing… carrying stories that we do or don't sing well. I hear words from singers like “do I belong” and expressions of fear that they are causing frustration, messing people up, ruining it for others. For those of you who may feel like this, please know, if you want to be here and sing, then you belong. The only thing that we ask of you is to come, keep trying, stay open to learning and it will get easier. Practice compassion for yourself. Know that if you see someone frustrated that it is not about you, it is about them and their process and likely has very little to do with you.
For those of you that find singing easy, your job is to be a leader (not a teacher), to show up, hold your parts as best you can. You are also asked to practice compassion for those who take longer, who haven’t had the same advantages and experiences you have had with your singing. It is never okay to tell someone that they are singing out of tune or wrong notes. You can get clarification from me if you are hearing parts going off, knowing that we may or may not get to fix it entirely in that particular rehearsal.
Returning members, please make an extra effort to talk to and welcome new singers… this can make a world of difference to new voices!
If you are challenged by any situations that may arise during your time singing and don’t know how to handle it on your own, please let me know.
General rehearsal etiquette
- please keeping talking to a minimum when we are singing. The room can get very loud and we have people with hearing aids. If you need clarifying instructions or help please ask me not your neighbor.
- Please try to be on time, we do warm-ups and exercises to connect your voices and bodies together. If you are late, please reach out to someone in your section or me to save a chair for you so you can enter with ease. If you do arrive late and we are singing please wait to find an appropriate time to come into the circle. Please do not ask people to move while they are singing.
- Please try to be scent free. This includes perfumes, colognes and other body odors. We have several people who are very sensitive plus the buildings we sing in do request this as well.
- I don’t take attendance. For those who do end up missing many rehearsals it is your responsibility to stay as updated with the music as much as possible. With that please don’t be stressed out about it. You are always welcome to just come and sing what you can knowing that you may need to catch up when you can.
- If you are ill please stay home. If you have been exposed or uncertain of illness please consider wearing a mask and position yourself apart from the other singers. Sadly, singing is a very contagious activity. We have had our super spreaders in the past so please let’s take care of one another.
- Parking – sometimes parking can be a snug depending on where we gather to sing. A general guideline and suggestion is that if you are more able bodied please park a little further away to allow others not so able bodied to park closer.
Concerts
- are optional but highly encouraged… they are super fun and we give the community a whole lot of love and joy that is carried back into the community.
- Concert dress is typically all black or all white with a splash of colour. Sometimes with extra playful additions. I will let you know each concert what we will be wearing.
CONNECTING WITH KAREN
I want to hear your ideas. As my brain is often full at rehearsal time I do prefer to hear them by email karenporkkamusic@gmail.com or phone (text or call) 780 660 9015 so I can give them all the focus. Please note calling or texting is preferred if it is time sensitive matter. Email is best when a response can wait a couple days. I sometimes don't check my work email on days off.
If you have general questions about the term, please check my website as it should contain most of the information. If you can’t find, then feel free to connect with me or another singer.
Please let me know of any mistakes you may see with regards to lyrics, recordings, etc. I am so incredibly human and make mistakes. I really appreciate it when I am notified about them.
I want to share that I live with complex health issues and sometimes it takes me longer to get things done and sometimes show up not at my best. I ask for patience, understanding and trust that we get done what we need to get together and hopefully have mostly a joyful experience singing together.
I realize ask a lot of trust from you and trust in each other that I will always try to do things that are in the highest good for this community. I know that we can hold the Ubuntu philosophy that I am because we are to allow us to thrive together as we sing. Thank you and I look forward to more and more singing!
Karen