Southern Alberta woman allegedly booted from singing group

Stefanie King has a zest for a life and a passion for music. The 30-year-old has Asperger’s and joined the Vox Musica Choir four years ago. It’s a choir of 80 people consisting of community members and University of Lethbridge students.

“I really love singing, it’s my thing” said Stefanie.

But last Wednesday her mom Karen says she received a phone call from the conductor who allegedly said Stefanie’s pitch was not up to the choir’s standards and because of this she would not be singing at the year-end concert.

“The choir director called me instead of Stefanie and told me her pitch was off and they had several complaints and she could not perform. Her life revolves around these performances. Having that plug pulled could have been handled differently.”

Ironically the two received the news on ‘World Autism Day’.

“To get this news on World Autism Day that she was not welcome to sing during the last performance she was practicing all semester for was a kick in the butt,” adds King.

Stefanie’s mom says it’s huge blow to her daughter’s self esteem.

“‘Her self esteem has taken a huge beating. Now because of judgment of a few . She feels not good enough now.”

The Dean of Fine Arts at the University of Lethbridge couldn’t speak about this specific incident but says the choir is open to anyone with a willingness to sing.

“As long as they have a love of music there is no auditions required,” says Edward Jurkowski, The Dean of Faculty of Arts at the University of Lethbridge.

Vox Musica did let Stefanie sing in the final concert on Sunday after one of the members said she would stand beside her and help her with her pitch.
As for Stefanie’s future with the choir that is still unknown.