Voices of Joy is a unique, inclusive, adult community choir that brings people of all abilities together.
For the last five years, David Holborn has been directing the choir made up of 65 members throughout York region.
“They never fail to surprise me,” said Holborn. “There are people in the choir who just sing because they love to sing.”
The choir was formed in 1998, by the late Linda Middlebrook, a music consultant and special education teacher in York region.
But Linda’s greatest joy and inspiration came from her daughter Kim who remains a strong voice in the choir today.
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Leni Vander Kooij is a member of the choir along with her daughter.
“I am also a parent of a developmentally delayed person,” she said. “I’ve come through many years where they were often left out of things. This is a place where they are all embraced and they are all part of it. And that really touches my heart.”
Once a week from September through June, the talents and abilities of each individual is highlighted while practicing for upcoming concerts.
“What I noticed in some of the people I work with is their self-esteem and being proud and standing up straight and belonging,” said Colleen Zakoor, executive director at Community Living Newmarket and Aurora district. “And that’s really critical in all of our lives, we need to belong.”
The Voices of Joy next scheduled performances are as follows:
Dec. 8, 2012
7:30 p.m.
King Township Historical Society Annual Christmas Concert with the Good Brothers
King City United Church
50 Elizabeth Grove, King City, Ont.
Dec. 15, 2012
7:30 p.m.
Bethel Christian Reformed Church
333 Davis Drive, Newmarket
Christmas Cantata “The Wise Men Saw the Light” written by David Holborn
Dec. 16, 2012
7:00 p.m.
Guest Choir with the Salvation Army (North Ridge Church) “Carols of Celebration”
Newmarket Theatre
505 Pickering Cresc., Newmarket, Ont.
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