REGINA MALE VOICE CHOIR
September 2000 – August 2001 Members: 26
Conductor: Sandra Cosbey, Accompanist: Theresa Fleming, President: Jack Bray, Vice-Pres: All Barnes Treasurer: Alvin Block, Secretary: Ross Irvine, Registrar: Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Librarian: Al Taylor Publicity: Rem Walker, Archivist: Keith Knox
Section Reps: Tenor I (3): Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Tenor II (8): Gerry Pitzel,
Bass I (7): Ross Moxley Bass II (8): Jack Fraser
2000 Events:
October 13 Lyndon Bray One-Man” Show’
with appearance by RVMC in Westminster United Church. 7:30 pm
November 11 RMVC Remembrance Service in Whitmore Park United Church.
November 29 Rotary Carol Festival.
December 6 Christmas Concert in Trianon Towers, 7 pm.
December 13 Christmas Event in The Bushwakker Brew Pub. 8 pm.
December 20 Christmas Concert and Sing-me-Long in Whitmore Park United Church to benefit the
Leader Post Christmas Cheer Fund. 7:30 pm.
2001 Events:
April 1 50th Anniversary celebration in St. Mary’s Anglican Church
for two of their members. Rem &. Aldison Walker 2:30 pm.
April 28 Spring Concert in William Booth Special Care Home, 6:45 pm
April 22 Spring Concert in Zion United Church, Moose Jaw.
Dinner at Laverne and Shirley’s prior to the concert
April 25 Spring Concert in Embury House on Winnipeg Street. 6:45 pm
May 6 Annual Concert. Knox-Met. 2:30 pm. Tickets $8.00 (115)
Guest Artist: Dianne Burrows, Soprano. Accompanist: Vernon McCarthy.
May 10 RMVC sang during the Music Festival in Knox-Met. at 8:35 pm.
September 2001 – August 2002 Members: 25
Conductor ; Accompanist Theresa Fleming; President: Jack Bray; Vice-Pres: Al Barnes
Treasurer: Alvin Block, Secretary: Ross Irvine, Registrar: Mervyn Crozier-Smith,
Librarian: Al Taylor, Publicity: Rem Walker, Archivist: Keith Knox
Section Reps:
Tenor I (4):Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Tenor II (7): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (7): Ross Moxley, Bass II (7) Jack Fraser
2001 Events:
November 11 Remembrance Day Service in Whitmore Park United Church 7:30 pm,
December 5 Christmas Concert in Trianon Tower
December 13 Concert for Canadian Club Meeting in the Centre of the Arts. 12 noon
December 15 Ken Wiley funeral. He was 92
December 19 Bushwakker event at 8 pm,
2002 Events:
March 19 Regina North Rotary Club presented the RMVC with the 2002 Heritage Award on the
Occasion of the 90th Anniversary of the RMVC. This was during a noon banquet in the
Seven Oaks Inn at 12:15 pm
March 24 RMVC and Holy Rosary Cathedral Choirs joint effort to sponsor the Holy Rosary
Cathedral Refugee Program
April 21 RMVC Concert for Wolseley Lions Club, in Wolseley at 6 pm
May 5 Annual Concert. Knox-Met. 2:30 pm. Tickets 8.00. (342)
Guest Artist: Eduard Minevich, Violin. Accompanist: David L. Johnson
May 21 RMVC participated in the Cathedral Village Arts Festival in Westminster United Church
September 2002 – August 2003 Members: 27
Conductor: Sandra Cosbey, Accompanist: Theresa Fleming, President: Jack Bray, Vice-Pres: Al Barnes
Treasurer: Alvin Block, Secretary: Ross Irvine, Registrar: Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Librarian: Al Taylor Publicity: Rem Walker, Archivist: Keith Knox
Section Reps; Tenor I (6): Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Tenor II (8): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (5): Andre Nogue, Bass II (8): Harvey Conrad
2002 Events:
September 25 Regina Village Concert. PM.
November 10 Remembrance Day Service Whitmore Park United Church 7:30 pm.
December 4 Christmas Concert Trianon Tower,
Rotary Carol festival
December 11 Pioneer Village Christmas Concert, Boy Soloist. Taylor Begin
December 18 Bushwakker Christmas Event 8 pm.
2003 Events
February 16 Regina and District Old Timers’ Association Gala Banquet Heritage Day,
Trentine Room, Delta Hotel. 8. pm .
April 26 Concert in Trinity Lutheran Church, Estevan 7:30 pm
May 2 Annual Concert, Westminster United Church 2:30 pm. Tickets $8.00 (381)
Guest Artists: The Three. Baritones – Adam Cosgrove, Marenee Logan and
Bruce Radmacher. Accompanists Nicole Hamn.
May 14 Concert in Queen Victoria Estates, Regina. 7:30 pm
May 20 Participated in the Cathedral Village Arts Festival in
Westminster United Church, 7:30 pm.
JOE HARY CONDUCTOR
2003 – 2005
Joe Hary was appointed conductor in the fall of 2003 after a search that took a lot of time, and with many disappointments. Joe had a love of music that drew him to the RMVC. He directed bands in Regina and Assiniboia as well as adjudicating for Choral Festivals in the United States and in Canada for the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association. Joe graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Special Music, Choral, Band and Orchestra. His major instruments were the Trumpet and Flugelhorn.
Joe’s first Annual Concert was on Sunday May 2, 2004 in Westminster United Church at 2:30 pm. Guest Artists were Adam Cosgrove, Baritone; Laura Pettigrew, Flautist; and Christa Walsh, Pianist. Marcus Mayell, Baritone and violinist, was Guest Artist during his second Annual Concert on Sunday, May 1, 2005.
Previously, on April 24, 2005 Joe Hary and the RMVC travelled to Assiniboia to give Joe a chance to return to his former band, in a concert to benefit the local Band Association. It was a beautiful day with glorious sunshine. The audience was glad to see Joe again and appreciated Joe’s return for their benefit. We all had a good time and we could tell that Joe was touched by the sight of his former band members.
Circumstances in Joe Hary’s life changed resulting in a letter of resignation from the choir shortly after his second Annual Concert. It was accepted with regret and we were searching yet again.
September 2003 – August 2004 Members: 31
Conductor: Joe Hary, Accompanist: Christa Walsh, President: Jack Bray, Vice-Pres: Al Barnes Treasurer: Alvin Block, Secretary: Ross Irvine, Registrar: Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Librarian: Al Taylor Publicity: Rem Walker, Archivist: Keith Knox
Section Reps: Tenor I ($): Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Tenor II (9): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (8) David Hayter, Bass II (10) Harvey Conrad
2003 Events:
November 1 RMVC at Western Christian college along with Regina Ladies’ Choir at 7 pm for the
Community Arts Group and Hall of Fame
November 9 Remembrance Day Service in Whitmore Park United Church 7:30 pm
December 3 Trianon Towers Christmas Concert
Rotary Carol Festival
December 10 Regina Village Christmas Concert
December 17 Bushwakker Christmas Event 8 pm
2004 Events:
April 7 William Booth Special Care Nursing Home Concert. 7 pm
May 2 Annual Concert, Westminster United Church 2:30 pm. Tickets $8.00 (205)
“Rhythm of Life”. Guest Artists: Adam Cosgrove, Baritone
Laura Pettigrew, Pianist Christa Walsh, Pianist
September 2004 – August 2005 Members: 29
Conductor: Joe Hary, Accompanist: Christa Walsh, President Jack Bray, Vice-Pres: Al Barnes
Treasurer: Alvin Block, Secretary: Ross Irvine, Registrar: Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Librarian: Al Taylor Publicity: Rem Walker, Archivist: Keith Knox
Section Reps:
Tenor I (5): Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Tenor II (8): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (7): Ross Moxley, Bass II (9): Harvey Conrad
2004 Events :
November 7 Remembrance Day Service Whitmore Park United Church 7:30 pm.
November 17 Christmas Concert and Sing-A-Long, Prairie Place 7 pm.
November 24 Christmas Concert, Queen Victoria Estates, 7 pm.
December 1 Trianon Towers Christmas Concert 7 pm,
Rotary Carol Festival.
December 9 RMVC Concert in Regina Public Library at noon in the Lower Level.
December 15 Bushwakker Christmas Event 8 pm.
2005 Events:
April 24 RMVC Concert in Assiniboia for the Local Band Association, 3 pm
May 1 Annual Concert, Westminster United Church, 2:30 pm. Tickets $8.00 (196)
“Celebrate Centennial” – 100 years of Saskatchewan,
Guest Artists: Marcus Mayell, Baritone and violinist. Accompanist: Christa Walsh,
Lt. Governor Linda Haverstock attended and said many fine things about men singing!
May 4 RMVC Concert in Strasbourg, 7 pm., in the United Church
This was a fundraiser for Dianets Fund so RMVC did not accept payment for the concert.
PETER FROSTAD CONDUCTOR 2005 – 2007
Peter Frostad was appointed conductor of the RMVC in the fall of 2005. He was looking forward to working with the choir of men only and hoped to carry on for five or six years.
Peter began conducting in 1982 and went on to lead a variety of community groups, and church groups such as the Chamber Choir, Volkslieder Harmonie Choir, Christ Lutheran Church choir and the SaskPower Singers. He retired from SaskPower in 2002 after twenty-five years as a Professional Engineer.
His first Annual Concert was in Westminster United Church at 2:30 pm on Sunday, April 30, 2006. Guest Artists were the Four Lads, violinists Ben Polasek, David Penner and Russel Stanley and with Paul Anderson, Cellist.
In the fall of 2006 he led the Remembrance Day Service with the RMVC in Whitmore Park United Church, the Trianon Towers Christmas Concert, Rotary Carol Festival, Bushwakker Christmas Event, Christmas Concert in the Regina Lutheran Home and the Turning On Of The Lights at the Provincial Legislature.
While Peter was conductor the members of the RMVC raised enough money among themselves to purchase an Electronic Piano so that we would no longer need to rent one for events such as the Bushwakker.
In 2007 Peter led a concert in St. Andrew’s United Church in Yorkton, sponsored by the Church Choir. Taharih Vejdani was the Guest Artist, a soloist with extensive singing experience in everything from classical music to musical theatre and jazz. Taharih would sing one week later during the RMVC Annual Concert in Regina on Sunday April 20, 2007, in Westminster United Church.
Peter’s concerts had been very successful We were confident that more would follow because of his interest in conducting for five or six years. You know all about Murphy’s Law. Well, Murphy struck again when Peter told us he was resigning. His retirement business interests were taking more and more of his time. We understood his predicament and accepted, with regret, the resignation of Peter Frostad.
September 2005 – August 2006
Conductor: Peter Frostad, Accompanist: Jody Hilderman/Lynda Gamble, President: Jack Bray
Vice-Pres: Al Taylor, Treasurer: Alvin Block/Ron Larson, Secretary: Ross Irvine
Librarian: Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Registrar: Al Barnes, Publicity: Rem Walker, Archivist; Keith Knox
Section Reps: Tenor I (5): Rem Walker, Tenor II (6): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (7): Ellwood Wagner, Bass II (8): David Allen
2005 Events:
November 6 Remembrance Day Service, Whitmore Park United Church 7:30 pm.
November 30 Trianon Tower Christmas Program
Rotary Carol Festival
December 14 Bushwakker Christmas Event 8 pm.
December 22 Christmas Concert in William Booth Special Care Home 7 pm
2006 Events:
April 23 Rotary Club Concert in Wolseley. Guest: – The Four Lads
April 30 Annual Concert, Westminster United Church 2:30 pm. Tickets $10.00 (218)
Guest Artists: The Four Lads String Quartet
David Penner, Viclin. Ben Polasek, Violin Russell Stanley, Viola, Paul Andergon, Cello,
May 3 RMVC Concert in Santa Maria Nursing Home.
September 2006 – August 2007 Members: 27
Conductor: Peter Frostad, Accompanist: Lynda Gamble, President: Jack Bray, Vice-Pres: Al Taylor Treasurer: Ron Larson, Secretary: Ross Irvine, Librarian: Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Registrar: Al Barnes Publicity: Rer Walker, Archivist: Keith Knox
Section Reps: Tenor I (5): Rem Walker, Tenor II (7): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (6): Elwood Wagner, Bass II (9): David Allen
2006 Events
September 3 Arrangements had been made for the RMC to sing during the Official Opening of the
Regina Government Building, 1783 Scarth Street, 11:20 – 11:27 am. This did not take
place as the various dignitaries that were scheduled to attend did not make it.
November 11 Remembrance Day Service, Whitmore Park United Church 7:30 pm
November 29 Trianon Towers Christmas. Concert
Rotary Carol Festival
December 7 RMVC sang during the Turning On Of The Lights at the Provincial Legislature
December 12 Bushwakker Christmas Event, 8 pm
December 13 Christmas Concert in the Regina Lutheran Home
NOTE:
The RMVC purchased its own keyboard so that we no longer had to rent one for events such as the Bushwakker where no piano was available
2007 Events:
April 22 Concert in St. Andrew’s Church in Yorkton. Taharih Vejdani was Guest Artist.
Sponsored by the Church Choir. Dinner for the RMVC (and wives) was served by them
following the concert. It was delicious!
April 29 Annual Concert, Westminster United Church, 2:30 pm. Tickets $10.00 (195).
Guest Artist: Taharih Vejdani, Soprano. Accompanist: Hart Godden.
STACEY ALLEN CONDUCTOR 2007 – 2008
Stacy Allan was a teacher with the Regina Public Schools when she was appointed Conductor of the RMVC in the fall of 2007. She has an Associate of Arts from the Canadian Bible college studying with Ian Charter. She also has her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Regina, studying with Lynn Channing.
Three weeks after becoming conductor the RMVC was invited to sing for the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society in the Ramada Inn. Scramble, would be a good word to describe the hurried preparations for Stacy to put a program together in such a short time and with only three practices to get to know our singing ability. It worked!!
There followed an October concert in Stewart court, the Remembrance Day Service in Trinity Lutheran Church, Trianon Towers Christmas Concert, the Rotary Carol Festival, and Bushwakker Christmas Event.
In April 2008 we gathered in Zion United Church, Moose Jaw for a concert at 7:30 pm. A week later our Annual Concert was held in Westminster United Church at 2:30 pm Guest Artist was Matt Rapley, Canadian Idol Runner-Up in 2007. This was on Sunday, May 5, 2008. By the way, Matt self-accompanied on the piano.
Stacy had a busy and successful time as conductor but she felt the need to move on so she resigned her position following the 2008 Annual Concert. The search was on for someone to lead us.
September 2007 – August 2008
Conductor: Stacey Allan, Accompanist. Ashley Forrester, President: Al Taylor, Vice-Pres: Keith Knox Treasurer: Ron Larson, Secretary: Ross Irvine, Registrar: Al Barnes, Librarian: Mervyn Crozier-Smith Publicity: Rem Walker, Archivist: Keith Knox
Section Reps: Tenor I (5): Rem Walker, Tenor II (7): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (6) Elwood Wagner, Bass II (7): David Allen
2007 Events:
September 22 RMVC Concert for Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society, Ramada Hotel.
October 21 RMVC Concert Stewart Court.
November 9 Remembrance Day Concert, Trinity Lutheran Church. 7:30 pm.
December 5 Trianon Towers Christmas Concert.
Rotary Carol Festival,
December 10 Bushwakker Christmas Event,
December 12 Christmas Concert Victoria Park Personal Care Home,
December 19 Christmas Concert Herchmer Place.
2008 Events:
February 9 Family History and Heritage Fair in All Saints Anglican Church, No singing.
Display only of items from the RMVC Archives. –
April 26 RMVC Concert, Zion United Church, Moose Jaw 7:30 pm
May 5 Annual Concert, Westminster United Church 2:30 pm. Tickets $10.00 (249).
Guest Artist: Matt Rapley, Canadian Idol Runner-up 2007. Self-accompanied.
JO ANNE KNOBBE CONDUCTOR 2008 – 2010
Jo Anne is a retired United Church Ordained Minister. She moved to Regina from Alberta shortly before accepting the appointment as conductor of the RMVC in the fall of 2008. She received her music education at the University of Calgary and Toronto Conservatory of Music. She has an extensive background in choral music and conducting church and community choirs, working with singers of all ages.
Jo Anne became Conductor for three Regina Choirs at this time, The Regina Ladies’ Choir, the Golden Age Singers and the Regina Male Voice Choir. She was a very busy lady. In the spring of 2009 JO Anne held a concert in the Regina Senior Centre that featured each of the choirs, separately, conducted by Jo Anne, a full and enjoyable afternoon of music from three groups of singers with varied and interesting programs.
On April 26th the choir headed to Indian Head to aid a fund-raising effort for the Bell Barn Society. Then, on May 3, 2009, JO Anne’s first Annual Concert with us in Westminster United Church at 2:30 pm. Guest Artist was Meara Conway, a Lyric Soprano who captivated the audience.
Following the summer months the RMVC held an afternoon concert in Selo Gardens. Then the Remembrance Day Service in Westminster United Church, the Trianon Towers Christmas Concert, the Rotary Carol Festival on December 2, 2009 and the big event of the year, the annual Bushwakker Christmas event with an authentic (but preserved) Boar’s Head to which we sang “The Boar’s Head Carol”.
2010 saw the choir invited to provide selections of appropriate music during a Service of Remembrance on behalf of the Naval community and Royal Canadian Air Force in the city of Regina. HMCS Queen coordinated a parade and Service of Remembrance at 12:45 pm on April 25th. During the ceremony the names of 24 Canadian Naval Ships that were lost in WWII were read. 73 Canadian Merchant Ships were sunk. 19 RCAF Squadrons served and were remembered. A solemn ceremony ending with the laying of a wreath in Wascana Lake.
When Jo Anne reached the end of the Spring-Concert Season she was worn out. The need to prepare, practice and conduct three choirs was too much. In her letter of resignation from the three choirs she said, “I have greatly enjoyed my association with all three choirs but find I am no longer able to continue with the pace and stress. Blessings as you continue bringing music to so many people in Regina”.
Blessings to you, Jo Anne.
September 2008 – August 2009 Members: 24
Conductor: Jo Anne Knobbe, Accompanist: Meredith Blackmore, President: : Keith Knox,
Vice-Pres: Will Leippi, Treasurer: Ron Larson, Secretary: Richard Emond, Registrar: Al Barnes Librarian: Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Publicity: Rem Walker , Archivist: Keith Knox
Section Reps: Tenor I (5) Rem Walker, Tenor II (5): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (7): Elwood Wagner, Bass II (7): David Allen
2008 Events:
November 11 Remembrance Day Service, Westminster United Church.
December 3 Trianon Towers Christmas Concert,
Rotary Carol Festival.
December 4 Legislative Building Christmas Lighting Event, pm,
December 10 Regina Village Christmas Concert.
December 16 Victoria Park Personal Care Home Concert.
December 17 Bushwakker Christmas Event. 8 pm.
2009 Events:
March 21 RMVC Concert Masonic Lodge 4 pm
March 26 RMVC Funeral for Hank Hesselink in Estevan
RMVC Funeral for Mervyn Crozier-Smith’s mother in Regina.
April 19 RMVC at Indian Head for the Bell Barn Society Fundraising
April 26 RMVC in Regina Senior centre on Winnipeg Street, with Regina Ladies’ Choir and Seniors Centre Choir, each singing separately
May 3 Annual Concert, Westminster United Church 2:30 p12. Tickets $20,00 (242).
Guest Artist: Meara Conway, Lyric Soprano. Accompanist: Alex Dick.
September 2009 – August 2010 Members: 27
Conductor: Jo Anne Knobbe Accompanist: Meredith Blackmore President: Keith Knox Vice-Pres: Wilf Leippi Treasurer: Ron Larson Secretary: Richard Emond Registrar: Al Barnes Librarian; Roger Huel Publicity: Rem Walker Archivist; Keith Knox
Section Reps: Tenor I (5): Rem Walker, Tenor II (6): Gerry Pitzel
Bass. I (7): EIwood Wagner, Bass II (9): David Allen
2009 Events:
November 8 Selo Gardens Concert 4 pm.
November 11 Remembrance Day Service Westminster United Church, pm.
December 2. Trianon Towers Christmas Concert,
Rotary Carol Festival.
December 16 Bushwakker Christmas Event 8 pm.
2010 Events:
May 2 HMCS Queen coordinated a parade and service of remembrance on behalf of the Naval
Community and Air Force in the City of Regina, for the Battle of the Atlantic service at
12:45 pm. The RMVC provided selections during the service and in the C. & POS Mess
following the service.
April 25 Annual Concert Westminster United Church 2:30 pm. Tickets 10
Guest Artist: Arek Nicholson, Baritone. Accompanist: Jennifer Crawford.
NICOLE STENERSON, CONDUCTOR 2010 – 2011
Nicole Stenerson studied music at the University of Regina, focusing on composition which has always been of interest to her. She completed her undergraduate studies with Dr. Thomas Schudel. This gave her many opportunities to perform the works she had composed. Nicole had experience as an Accompanist for voice and dance and as a Choir Director. She enjoys singing having been a member of several choirs such as the University of Regina Chamber Singers; Halcyon Chamber Choir, Luther Bach Choir and others. She was appointed conductor in the late summer of 2010.
Nicole had prepared a moving and inspirational Remembrance Day Service in Westminster United Church which was appreciated by a small congregation due to a severe winter storm that prevented many from attending.
The December events included the Trianon Towers Christmas Concert and the Rotary Carol Festival on December 1, 2011. The Bushwakker Christmas Event was held on December 15th, The Boar’s Head Carol with a twist.
Sunday, May 1, 2011 the Annual Concert was held in Westminster United Church at 2:30 with Guest Artists – A Regina Trio of Eduard Minevich playing the Violin, Amelia Borton playing the Cello and with David L. McIntyre at the Piano.
Nicole Stenerson left the choir with other opportunities awaiting in the future.
Thank you, Nicole, for giving us the opportunity to share your love of music!!
September 2010 – August 2011 Members: 24
Conductor: Nicole Stenerson, Accompanist: Meredith Blackmore, President: Keith Knox,
Vice-Press Wilf Leippi, Treasurer: David Ottoson, Secretary: Richard Encond, Registrar: Al Barnes Librarian; Rem Walker, Archivist: Keith Knox, Publicity: Rem Walker
SectionReps: Tenor I(5): Rem Walker, Tenor II (5): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (6): Elwood Wagner, Bass. II (8): David Allen
2010 Events:
November 10 Remembrance Day Service, Westminster United Church 7:30 pm.
A blizzard severely curtailed attendance at this service.
December 1 Trianon Towers Christmas Concert,
Rotary Carol Festival.,
December 15 – Bushwakker Christmas Event & pm.
2011 Events:
May 1 Annual Concert Westminster United Church 2:30 pm, Tickets $10.00
Guest Artists: A Regina Trio – Eduard Minevich, Violin Amelia Borton,
Cello – David. L. McIntyre, Piano.
MEREDITH BLACKMORE, CONDUCTOR 2011 – Present
Meredith Blackmore was born and raised in Sackville, New Brunswick. She started piano lessons at the age of five years. Through the years she performed in many Music Festivals, local T.V. programs and was Accompanist for many church, school and regional choirs as well as instrumentalists at the University level. Meredith has two sons, now lives in Regina and teaches private piano lessons.
Meredith was appointed Accompanist in 2008. During that time she played each selection with feeling, at times with delicate shading and other times with vigour and enthusiasm to help us appreciate the thoughts of the composer and to express that appreciation through our voices. When we started to faster while singing she would vamp a bit on the piano and play the offending part a little louder so we could get back on track.
Meredith was Accompanist for three years before accepting the appointment as conductor. She was aware of our quirks, our strong points and our weaknesses. She coaxed and cajoled, encouraging us to sing with feeling, an understanding of the words and the story they told. There were moments when you could feel the harmony, perfectly balanced and sung, causing a shiver of excitement to run up and down your spine. It was for those moments we practiced, striving for perfection. Meredith pushed us (gently of course) to reach for the top because to do less is to give up on yourself.
Meredith is a lady who loves music about the sea, “the call of the running tide”, “a gray mist on the sea’s face and a gray dawn breaking”. Words from music we have sung that reflect the mysterious and majestic, yet, at times, the dangerous beauty of the “Lonely sea and sky”.
One of her favourites is “Away from the roll of the sea”. We tried, many times, to sing the song with such feeling that Meredith would be overcome to tears of joy, the understanding with which we told the story, through song, of the composition by Diane: Loomer. The delicate shading in our voices was not quite there. The sense of danger from the rolling sea was not quite there. There may have been tears but they were not tears of joy. Sorry, Meredith.
Prior to a recent Annual Concert Meredith sought to inspire us to spruce up the reception and the goodies served during that event following the concert. She baked cookies and loaves and enlisted the aid of some of the wives and her friends, to do the same. She added a woman’s touch to the reception and that was abundantly clear to, and acknowledged by, those who attended.
Following the successful Annual Concert and before taking a few months off for the summer, Meredith put a bug in our ears that we consider a Wind-Up Party, something we had not done for some time. This we did, at Nicky’s. Significant-others were invited, delicious meals were served, stories were told and we delighted in the company of good friends.
Thank you, Meredith, for your sincere and personal interest in the Regina Male Voice Choir.
Some of the songs we sang with Meredith Blackmore as conductor –
Fillimiooriay Sea Fever Shall We Gather at the River Away From the Roll of the Sea
The gift of Song Speed Your Journey Good Night, Sweetheart, Goodnight Aura Lee
Just a Closer Walk With Thee My Bonnie Lassie They all Call it Canada The Boar’s Head
Cripple Creek Lullaby Through the Years Nature’s Praise of God The Lord’s Prayer
The Galway Piper Soldier’s Chorus The Linden Tree Balm in Gilead Grandfather’s clock
Good Old Summertime Some Enchanted Evening Speed Your Journey Cross the wide Missouri Ching a Ring Chaw Salvation is created Fogarty’s Cove Goin’ Home He Never Failed Me Yet Drive the River Down Green Cathedral I Shall not be moved Down in the Valley
Stouthearted Men Ain’t She Sweet The Winter is Gone The Donkey Serenade
You’ll Never Walk Alone The Riff Song Loch Lomond Bonnie Eloise A Capital Ship
Michael, Row The Boat Ashore Blow Away the Morning Dew The Battle of Jericho
Take Me Out to The Ball Game Down in the Valley Battle Hymn of the Republic
on April 26, 2014 the Regina Male Voice Choir hosted two visiting choirs, the Saskatoon Male Chorus and the Winnipeg Male Chorus in Trinity Lutheran Church at 7:30 pm.
Each of the three choirs sang some of their favourite music separately and then we all got together as a mass choir raising our voices in glorious songs of praise, songs from the past, fun songs and songs that let us raise the roof!
Mervyn Crozier-Smith, President and Cam McCannell, Vice-President, looked after the travel arrangements, hotels, meals, etc. Meredith Blackmore co-ordinated the selections of music by the three choirs.
A fun time was had by all, singing with almost one-hundred other men in four-part harmony. It does not get much better than that!.
September 2011 – August 2012 Members: 24
Conductor: Meredith Blackmore, Accompanist: Patrick Johnson, President: Keith Knox
Vice-Pres: Wilf Leippi, Treasurer: David Ottoson, Secretary: Rem Walker, Registrar: Al Barnes Librarian; Roger Huel, Publicity: Rem Walker, Archivist: Keith Knox
Section Reps: Tenor I (5): Rem Walker, Tenor II (5): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (8): Claude Crozon, Bass II (6): David Allen
2011 Events:
November 30 Trianon Towers Christmas Concert
Rotary Carol Festival
December 7 Christmas. Concert in Wintergreen Estates pm
December 11 Bushawakker Christmas Event 8 pm
December 16 Christmas Program at Royal United Services Institute at 5:45 pm for the Royal Canadian
Air Force Association; Canadian Aviation Historical Society.
2012 Events:
April 15 Annual Concert, Westminster United Church, 2:30 pm Tickets $10.00 (294)
100th Anniversary. Taliah Lavertu, Soprano was Guest Artist. As part of the preparations
for the 100th Anniversary Mayor Pat Fiacco issued a Proclamation declaring April 15,
2012 as Regina Male Voice Choir Day.
April 23 A First Funeral Firkin! Party was held at the Bushwakker Brew Pub on one last chance
for Keith Knox him to get together with family and friends. Keith had been diagnosed
with Malignant Mesothelioma.gma.
May 6 Keith Knox, a member of the RMVC for 52 of its 100 years, joining when he was. 20
years of age, passed away
June 2 A. Memorial Service was held on Saturday, in Westminster United Church at 2 pm.
September 2012 – August 2013 Members: 20
Conductor; Meredith Blackmore, Accompanist: Natalia Chabukiani, President: Al Taylor
Vice-Pres: Gord Goddard, Treasurer: David Ottoson, Secretary: Ren Walker, Registrar: Al Barnes Librarian: Roger Huel, Publicity: Rem Walker
Section Reps: Tenor I (3): Rem Walker, Tenor II (4): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (7): Claude Crozon , Bass II (6): David Allen
2012 Events:
December 5 Trianon Towers Christmas Program
Rotary Carol Festival
December 9 Mossing School of Music Christmas Concert, with other choirs and band selections, December 19 Bushwakker Brew Pub Christmas Program 8 pm.
2013. Events:
April 14 Annual Concert, Westminster United Church 2:30 pm Tickets: $10.00 (163)
Guest Artist: William Rourke, Tenor. Accompanist: Sandra Kerr,
September 2013 – August 2014 Members: 21
Conductor: Meredith Blackmore Accompanist: Natalia Chabukiani President: Mervyn Crozier-Smith Vice-Pres: Can McCannell Treasurer: David Ottoson Secretary: Rem Walker Librarian: Rem Walker/Roger Huel Registrar: Al Barnes Publicity: Mervyn Crozier-Smith/Cam McCannell
Section Reps: Tenor I (4): Rem Walker, Tenor II (4): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (6): Claude Crozon , Bass II (7): Al Basky
2013 Events:
October 6 RMVC members attended the 81st birthday for Al Taylor and 61st Anniversary
for Al and Millie Taylor, Whitmore Park United Church 3 – 5 pm.
December 4 Trianon Towers Christmas Programs.
Rotary Carol Festival.
December 11 Regina Village Christmas Program.
December 18 Bushwakker Brew Pub. Christmas Event 8 pm.
2012 Events;
April 26 Prairie Male Voice Choirs, In Concert, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1909 Ottawa Street,
Regina 7:30 pm. Tickets $20.00 (228).
Regina Male Voice Choir – Meredith Blackmore, Conductor,
Natalia Chabukiani, Accompanist.
Saskatoon Male Chorus Lynn Drieger, Conductor, Karen Renaud, Accompanist. Winnipeg Male Chorus – Helen Berger, Conductor. Kattie Erickson, Accompanist.
September 2014 – August 2015 Members: 18
Conductor: Meredith Blackmore, Accompanist. Michael Fry, President: Mervyn Crozier-Smith Vice-Pres: Cam McCannell, Treasurer: David Ottoson, Secretary: Rem Walker, Registrar: Al Barnes Librarians: Rem Walker/Roger Huel, Publicity: Mervyn Crozier-Smith/Cam McCannell
Section Reps; Tenor I (4): Rem Walker, Tenor II (4): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (5): Al Taylor, Bass II (5): Al Basky
2014 Events:
November 9 Remembrance Day Service, Whitmore Park United Church 2:30 pm.
December 3 Rotary Carol Festival.
December 10 Trianon Towers Christmas Program 7 pm.
December 17 Bushwakker Brew Pub Christmas Event 8 pm.
2015 Events
April 4 Attended the funeral for Ross Irvine, long-time Bass. Singer, in All Saints’ Anglican
Church 10:30 pm, RMVC did not sing.
April 19 Concert in St. Andrew’s United Church, Glenavon, 2:30 pm
April 26 Annual Concert in Westminster United Church 2:30 pm. Tickets $12.00, (151)
Guest Artist: Michael Fry Violinist, Natalia Chabukiani Accompanist.
September 2015 – August 2016 Members: 15
Conductor: Meredith Blackmore, Accompanist: ,President: Mervyn Crozier-Smith Vice-Pres: Will Leippi Treasurer: David Ottoson, Secretary: Rem Walker, Registrar: Al Barnes, Librarian: Rem Walker
Publicity: Mervyn Crozier-Smith
Sections Reps; Tenor I (4) Rem Walker, Tenor II (4): Gerry Pitzel
Bass I (3): Al Taylor, Bass II (4): Al Basky
2015 Events:
November 9 Remembrance Day Service, 10:30 pm in the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre.
RMVC sang – Let There Be Peace On Earth,
For the Fallen
Canada
O God Our Help
A Song of Peace
Goin’ Home
The service was in memory of those Veterans who died between October 1, 2014 and
September 30, 2015 on the Veterans’ Units 3-5 and 3-6. The service was conducted
jointly by Rev. Jan Temple-Jones and Karen Ziegler.