Adult Choir
The Adult Choir Goes To China
In 2006, Mr. Erickson was invited by the Beijing Ministry of Education and Tianjiao International to speak on arts immersion education at the educational forum. Upon returning home, Mr. Erickson was asked to be a board member of Tianjiao International. As part of the expansion to open up communication between China and Canada, it was decided to invite the Calgary Adult Community Choir to perform at the international educator’s conference and the celebration of Dr. Norman Bethune ceremony. As the initiative grew, permission was granted for Calgary Arts Academy Adult Choir to perform on The Great Wall of China. Calgary Arts Academy was the first foreign group to have this privilege. Now, Tian Jiao International has formally announced a new program allowing performers from Canada to travel to China on an arts exchange program.
For the members of the adult choir, sponsorship in part was provided by the Beijing Ministry of Education and Tianjiao International. Choir members were responsible for transportation to Vancouver and approximately $2,000.00 per person.
So, in July of 2007, the Adult Choir went to China. We performed at the opening ceremonies of the Sino-Canada International Educational Exchange Forum, the Norman Bethune Centre, Summer Palace and The Great Wall of China.
It was our pleasure and honour to be invited and to perform at venues that we’d only heard about for all of our lives. Following, are some highlights of our trip.
We are grateful for the opportunity that we had and will cherish the memories for the rest of our lives. China has many treasures, the most precious of which is the Chinese people. The genuine kindness and hospitality made us feel like we were royalty. Canadians may be known for our polite hospitality, but the Chinese people have a lot to teach us. This is what cultural/educational/music exchange is all about – recognizing our similarities, celebrating our differences, and then building on both to collaborate on global ideas.
Upon returning to Canada, we were informed that our application for subsidy from Alberta Lotteries was approved. We received $75,000.00 from this organization to supplement costs. This has made a tremendous difference in the lives of choir members, and we are grateful.
Entrepreneurial thinking and forming meaningful partnerships are key to success. Our thanks to:
The Board of Directors for Calgary Arts Academy Society
Tianjiao International Educational Group
Beijing Ministry of Education
Alberta Lotteries
Jim Munro
Andy MacCormack
Stay tuned for our newest CD “Off The Wall” which is a tribute to our sponsors.
About The Adult Choir
Calgary Adult Community Choir began 14 years ago by the gathering of community members who simply loved to sing. We have had our home at various local schools, currently Calgary Arts Academy and Research Centre.
Our members currently number 47 and growing. We perform at senior citizens homes, extended care facilities, public arts functions and schools. Our members have honourary memberships to the Calgary Arts Academy Society with full voting priviledges.
The contribution of all members is valuable. The following dedicated individuals have volunteered their time to help make it all happen:
Dale Erickson, Director
Laura Shuler, Co-Director
Carol Burbank, Pianist
Cam Bourque, President
Kevin Loftus, Communications
Libby Brownell, Communications
June Miller, Bookings
Yvonne Morley, Choir Ambassador
Robin Vilonyay, Music Production
Barb Reid, Treasurer
Sandra Low, Treasurer
Don Martin, Line Marshal
Joan Gasser, Pianist's Assistant
Vicki McNeill, Social Director
Mary Anne Desmeules, Social Director
Jackie Martin, Snack Coordinator
Lisa Grothman, Soprano Lead
Joyce Mann, Alto Lead
Dave Desmeules, Equipment Manager
Choir Manual
Application To Become A Choir Member
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