Julie Nishi

Vancouver

I can’t say enough about Sandi and Jeremy and Spirit’s Call Choir. Though I’ve only sung with them for a short time, it’s been amazing! As a non-audition choir, there is no pressure as people come with varying degrees of musical training and singing experience. Even if you’ve sung before, I think that you can learn something new from the sessions. From the “Rose Breath”, ukulele tutorials and warm-up exercises at the beginning of rehearsal, to the tips about singing and performing with a group, I know that I’ve grown immensely. But it’s not just about the singing.

When Sandi said that one of her mandates is to help us sing with joy, I wasn’t quite sure what she meant. But as I continued to attend the sessions, and saw how people connected and came together, I started to understand. There is something incredibly spiritual about making music with a supportive group. And did I mention how much fun we have? I will definitely be back.

Whether you are a newbie who’s always loved to sing, or someone with more experience looking for a choir, I’d suggest that you drop by. Sandi and Jeremy will make it worth your while!!

I first became aware of this choir when I went to see an advertised "pop up" choir at John Lawson park in West Vancouver. As it turned out we were the choir. Sandi and Jeremy taught the assembled group of 40 or so 2 songs over the course of an hour or so and I was hooked. They are fun, funny, patient, knowledgeable and very welcoming. Following up, my wife and I joined their regular choir.

I was one of those people who liked to sing (as long as no one was around or the radio was loud enough to cover my voice) but felt that I really couldn't sing. However starting from a place where I couldn't hear or hold a note I was given lots of encouragement both from them as well as from the other choir members. I soon realized that it wasn't that I couldn't sing but rather that I hadn't had any guidance or practice since grade school. As I gained confidence I went from singing as quietly as I could (so no one could hear how bad I thought I was) to fully singing out loud, mistakes and all. The funny thing about the experience was that every week prior to the practice I would not be looking forward to it, yet would feel so uplifted and positive after.

The choir has been a hugely empowering force for joy in my life and I have had people commenting on the change. I highly recommend this choir to anyone who thought they couldn't sing as well as to those more accomplished singers who like singing in a positive, fun, welcoming environment.

David Charbonneau

North Vancouver

Carlynn English

North Vancouver

This choir feeds my soul. It has as much as you want or as little as you want but you will always find what you need. I have been singing with Sandi and Jeremy since they started and every time a new session begins I can see and feel the enthusiasm on the faces of both new and returning members, and the numbers are growing and growing. Because there is no audition there is absolutely no pressure at all; you just come out and have so much fun.

The songs that Sandi and Jeremy pick for the choir to learn and then perform at the concerts each term are inspiring and uplifting. The performances are not mandatory, so if you’d rather not be up on the stage singing your heart out you can choose not to do that but it is such a lot of fun why would you let yourself miss out on that?

I believe that everyone should be a member of a choir for your physical health and your mental health. In my case my breathing has improved so much and that helps in other areas of my life like the gym and hiking too.

Oh, and the money that is collected from the concert ticket sales goes to charity. The last couple of concerts monies went to Coast Mental Health.

This musical community is truly a choral family and I love it. Sandi and a Jeremy are inspirational, they love what they do and it shows.

So having said all that if you are thinking that singing might be something that is of interest to you come along and try it out, there is nothing to lose and so so much to gain.

The Spirits Call choir is not just a group to sing with, it is a family. Sandi and Jeremy, who are both wonderful and unique musicians, leaders and mentors have created a welcoming atmosphere of kindness, openness and safety. All members of this choir are deeply valued and this makes us feel like we are important and that we belong to something special. As a result we make beautiful harmonious music together, we share lots of laughter and there is always a sense of happiness in the room. After each choir session, I feel like I have been cleansed from the inside out. I feel uplifted, stronger, kinder and ready for whatever is ahead in my week.

Kyala Joy

Vancouver

Erica Stewart

North Vancouver

I went to the first session and I had so much fun!! Sandi and Jeremy are such warm and welcoming people and can make anyone feel at home. I can’t remember the last time I had that much fun singing. It is a choir that anyone can join and everyone should. It is such a fun environment to be in where laughing and smiling are contagious. I would recommend this choir to anyone who is looking to have a fun time singing. I am so glad I found this choir!