PALS Chorus

PALS Chorus Non-auditioned, hippest 55+ vocal group in Vancouver! Sorry, only those aged 55+ can join. Under the musical direction of Diane Lines

Performing Arts Lodges (PAL) Vancouver is looking for seniors (55+) to join a new performance choir that will rehearse and perform at the PAL Studio Theatre. Our choir, led by Diane Lines, has a base of residents from PAL Vancouver but is open to anyone 55+. The choir rehearses weekly and has two public performances planned for 2011. The choir aims to bring community seniors together, encourage so

cial interaction, and create an opportunity for public performance. Over and above singing, the choir aims to allow people to learn more about music and assist members to lead a more enjoyable, creative and interactive lives, thereby contributing to their health and well-being. PAL Vancouver is the home of a vibrant community of creative people who work or have worked in the professional performing arts—in almost any capacity you can think of—in, on or behind the scenes on stage, in a studio, on location or on tour. PAL Studio Theatre is the cultural hub of Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. It is a 150 seat black box theatre located on the 8th floor of the PAL Vancouver Building at 581 Cardero @ West Georgia. Seventy-Nine year old resident of PAL Joanne Black joined the choir. “I have sung in choirs over the years, but now that I am older I am even more excited about the idea of a choir as I think it will help me both physically and psychologically. Singing is good for the lungs, the throat, and the heart. Singing in a choir provides socialization, heath benefits, fun, spirituality and a chance for me to stretch my brain. I can’t wait for the first rehearsal.”

Gary Glacken, Executive Director of PAL Vancouver and PAL Studio Theatre also spoke recently about the choir. “Experience reveals that the power of seniors making music and group singing builds creative expression, self esteem, reduces loneliness, as well as lowering stress and improving physical well-being. The new choir will be a great addition to the cultural life of the West End & Coal Harbour communities.”

Those interested in performing in the choir should contact the chorus by email [email protected]

Choir project coordinated by Performing Arts Lodges (PAL) Vancouver with the financial assistance of the New Horizons funding from the federal government.

05/15/2020
05/17/2019

We have two exciting events coming up. One is May 30th at the Vancouver Museum (MOV) in tandem with Sound Eclectic and the other is our year end concert at the PAL Studio Theatre on Saturday, June 15th (two matinees: 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm). $20 admission. Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com. Here's the poster with info for the May 30th event.

08/11/2018

CALL FOR NEW MEMBERS! We are always looking for enthusiastic new members for our chorus. The requirements are being 55+ (but young at heart) and having a love of singing. There is an audition, but music reading is not required. Our email is [email protected] or send a message through our FB page. The new season starts Sept 10th.

07/06/2018
07/06/2018

Questions and answers about Vancouver's PALS Chorus...

06/06/2018
06/06/2018
03/30/2018

This essay is adapted from Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness While Singing With Others by Stacy Horn, out now from Algonquin Books. I used to think ...

04/21/2017
Photos by Richard Lopez
12/18/2016

Photos by Richard Lopez

11/06/2016

This really tickled me! 😂

09/09/2016

FOR THE UNEXPECTED JOYS OF SINGING TOGETHER
JOIN PALS CHORUS

What are the joys of singing? Let us count the ways:
You will feel more alive, with renewed energy. The deep breathing that singing requires, sends oxygen woofing to our brain and awakens the feel-good endorphins that have been compared to eating chocolate and falling in love.

Your memory and concentration will improve. We don’t bury our heads in books and binders. We memorize the words to all our songs, and it’s a lot easier than you think. You will probably remember the words forever because they’re imbedded in your brain. Honestly.

You will become addicted to the feelings of pride and accomplishment. Under the direction of Diane Lines, songs that sound ragged the first time we sing them, become polished and so beautiful that a faithful audience member said, “You make me slap my knees and smile and then you make me cry.” When we do concerts and flash mobs we get standing ovations. Who could ask for anything more?

We’re over 55 (our oldest is 87) but this Zoomer chorus doesn’t sing golden oldies like we’re cruising to Alaska. We do contemporary songs: All About That Bass, Uptown Funk and music by David Bowie, the Beach Boys and Lady Gaga. And with a wink at our ages, a bit of Doo W*p on the side.

You will feel part of a community of kindred souls. Lifelong friendships come out of choirs. Singing together builds up a natural camaraderie. Remember what it was like singing around a campfire?

You will get to sing in public, with concerts, the odd flash mob, and gain TV exposure. We were featured on Mike McCardell’s The Last Word and have been on the 11 o’clock news. We were invited to perform at the memorial service for the legendary Dal Richards, and sang backup on the latest CD by singer/songwriter/actor Beverley Elliott.

Our director, Diane Lines, is a long time pianist and featured vocalist with the Dal Richards Orchestra and star of her own signature show JUMP, a celebration of swing, boogie and blues. She not only chooses our music, she creates unique harmony arrangements. Diane conducts with discipline and inspiration, and manages to keep our rehearsals an experience we look forward to every Monday from 12:30 to 2:30 in the PAL Studio Theatre on Cardero St.

All we ask is that you can sing on key, are willing to learn lyrics and appreciate the charms of delivering music that is crisp and precisely right.

We are who we are, but we’re even better when we sing together. And best of all, we will remain young at heart.

If you love to sing and you’re lucky enough to be over 55, come and check out this dynamic, irrepressible chorus. We’re launching our fall season on Monday, September 5th. Phone 604 790-6950. Or email [email protected]

This is for kids, but many of them are true for us too. Note especially # 2, 5, 8, 12, 13 - for Diane, 14, 15 - YES (I...
08/04/2016

This is for kids, but many of them are true for us too. Note especially # 2, 5, 8, 12, 13 - for Diane, 14, 15 - YES (I'm an alto), # 17 - Unique New York 5 times fast, 20, 22, 25 - Barb, Laurie?, 26, 27 - or whose breath last longest on the breath control exercise, 29 but especially 30. I could do without the cutesy clips but the message is true.

Whether you've been in choir all your life or only took it to get fine arts credit, you'll be able to understand the good, the bad, & the ugly that comes with being part of a choir.

08/02/2016

RED ALERT!! PALS CHORUS' FALL SEASON LAUNCH is MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th (Labour Day), 12:30 - 2:30 pm at PAL Studio Theatre, 8th floor, 581 Cardero (at Georgia). If you are 55+ and love to sing, we encourage you to come and check us out! For more info, email us at [email protected]. Website: www.palschorus.com

Posted with permission of the photographer, Richard Lopez
07/12/2016

Posted with permission of the photographer, Richard Lopez

Address

300-581 Cardero Street
Vancouver, BC
V6G3L3

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