REGINA MALE VOICE CHOIR 1980 – 1989
The period following the Annual Concert on May 4, 1979 proved to be frustrating . for the executive and members. It was impossible to find a conductor who would accept the appointment and continue on for a few years.
Charles Willett conducted the choir during the 1979/1980 season but no Annual Concert was held. The 1980/1981 season saw Charles Willett, Chris Atherly, Leo Frison and George Pickett helping out with practices, but, again, no Annual Concert. Willett and Atherly were not members of the choir but stepped in to help.
In the fall of 1981 Keith Knox, President, had arranged for someone to become the new Conductor but, he did not show for the regular practice, as arranged. In desperation Keith Knox persuaded his wife Patricia, to lead the choir until a full-time conductor could be appointed. Even though she did not have previous conducting experience her musical background held her in good stead. She devoted her life to the choir and made it her priority for the next five years.
The Regina Male Voice Choir appointed Patricia Knox as conductor in the fall of 1981. She took the choir through to the 75th Anniversary of its founding at the Annual Concert on May 3rd, 1986.
Patricia Knox and Cable Regina (CR-7) had a fine working relationship. Several productions were jointly produced and shown on what is now Access Communications. The first was on May 1, 1983. The Union Station gave the RMVC permission to use the station as a “sound studio” for a few hours on Sunday afternoon. Risers were brought in. A piano was moved in and tuned. Cable Regina had cameras and crew members ready. At the appointed time when all trains had arrived or departed, the cameras were rolling and the guys were singing. After three hours of taping everything was moved out and the station was returned to normal.
The raw tapes were edited into three one-half hour programs shown on CR-7 at various times to promote the activities of the choir and to encourage membership by intersted singers.
Several short productions were carried out in the next few years. One was when the choir arranged for Patricia to take a balloon ride. This was taped with background music by the RMVC. Patricia and the balloon pilot left from the north of Regina then drifted north-west heading for parts unknown. The balloon was followed by a ground vehicle with camera crew on board to film the landing which was near Craven. The balloon landed before the camera crew arrived, but we all gathered to break open a bottle of champagne which is the custom of balloonists on such an occasion – the first ride in a balloon!
There were more productions with CR-7 – Scaling The clefs, Songs From The Hearth and Prairie Oasis to name a few.
Songs From The Hearth was filmed in a private residence on Albert Street opposite the Legislative Building. The home was up for sale at the time and not occupied. It was completely firnished, had a working fireplace, which we used in the production, and a fine staircase which we used in the taping. It was a perfect studio in which to film Christmas music which was shown on Cable Regina on several occasions. The owner gave us a set of keys to the home and said we could use it as long as needed. We took one day only, cleaned the home and thanked him for his very kind hospitality.
Patricia Knox died on March 12, 1994. The funeral service was held in St. Mary’s. Anglican Church which was filled to capacity and an overflow in the lower hall.
Ken Powers, a member of the RMVC gave a personal reflection from which are quoted a portion of his remarks –
“She (Pat) was the strong, assured, soaring Hallelujah of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. She was the gentle, comforting, reassuring Alleluia of William Royce. And most of all she was the playful, exhilerating Aleluia of Mozart. We celebrate her life with a gentle Alleluia and as a loving tribute I add ‘Fa, la, la, la,fa, la’. We love you Patricia Bradley Moore. Precious forever.”
Some of the music Patricia chose for us:
- Dem Dry Bones
- Veni Jesu
- Three Canona
- Michael, Row The Boat Ashore
- The Lost Chord
- Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
- My Bonnie Lass She Smileth
- Vive L’Amour
- De Mornin’ Come
- Cavalry Song
- How Are Things In Glocca MorraIf
- I Were A Rich Man
- Trumpet Song
- Huntsmen’s Chorus Festival Piece On “Sine Nomine” Song Of The Jolly Roger All Through The Night The Galway Piper
- All In The April evening
- Flow Gently Sweet Afton
- Sunshine In My Soul
September 1981 – August 1982 Membership: 17
Conductor: Patricia Knox Accompanist: Leslie Reed President: Vern Huggins
Vice-Pres: Nicholas Van Der Gucht Secretary: Stuart Lazear Treasurer; Mervyn Crozier-Smith
Practices continued in the Rotary Senior Centre on Elphinstone Street on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm. members. There were no special events until spring 1982.
April 3, 1982 The Regina Symphony Orchestra invited the RMVC to present pre-concert entertainment at the Centre of the Arts,
June 13, 1982 The RMVC sang as part of the regular Sunday morning service in St. Andrew’s United Church: Good News. In a Monastery Garden.
September 1982 – August 1983 Membership: 33
Conductor: Patricia Knox Accompanist: Leslie Rood President: Vern Huggins
Vice-Pres: Nicholas Van Der Gucht Secretary: Rem Walker Treasurer: Mervyn rozier-Smith
Tenor. I: Nicholas Van Der Gucht Tenor II: Harry Birrell Bass I Earl Jeico Bass II: AZ Gustus
Registrar; . George Pickett Librarian: Keith Knox
November 11 Lead choir for. Remembrance Day Ceremonies in the Regina Armoury.
December 6 Kinsmen-Kinnette Christmas Party at the Assiniboia club.
December 7 United Services Institute Christmas. Party #600 wing RAAF Association.
December 8 Rotary Carol Festival in Knox-Metropolitan United Church.
December 10 Christmas. Party in the Regency Room in the. Hotel Saskatchewan.
December 11/12 Several RMVC. members sang with the Regina Symphony Orchestra’s 250th
Anniversary of the Birth of Joseph Hayden, The Creation 2:30 pm.
December 13 Christmas Concert at the Winnipeg Street Senior Contro.
Decomber 18 Concert for the Regina Little Theatre Christmas party.
1983 Events:
January 9 Sang during the Induction Service for Rev. Douglas Ohs in St. Mary’s Anglican Church. Selections; Veni Jesu. Salvation is Created.
Jan. 29/30 Several members participated in the charter bus tip for the Regina Lyric Light Opera Society to see “The Gondeliers in Calgary.
March 7 Sang in the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre at 7 pm
March 20 Presented a variety musical program with the Treble Chef Ensemble in St. Andrew’s United Church at 2 pm. $2.00 tickets.
March 26 Pre-concert entertainment in the Centre of the Arts for Maureen Forrester.
April 13 Participated in the Darke Hall Music Festival.
April 24 Entertainment for St. George’s Day in St. Mary’s. Anglican Church
May 1 Cable Regina. TV taped the cheir, in the old Union Station, singing its reportoire for later showing.on Channel 7
May 7 Hotel Saskatchewan Concert at 8:30 pm for the Chef’s Association
May 12 Regina Motor Products Concert in the Rogina Inn at 8 pm. A snow storm ran a DG-9 off the runway at the Regina Airport.
May 15 Moose Mountain Bus to Govanfor the Order of the Eastern Star.
June 29 Surprise party for Jack Buyze on the 31st Anniversary of his employment with the Hotel Saskatchewan,
July 11 Farewell party for Vern and Ethel Hugdns at Tom Atkinsonis,
July 20 George Pickett conducted the RMVC during the funeral in St. Mary’s Anglican Church for Patricia Knox’s father, James E. Bradley.
July 23 Reception in St. Mary’s Anglican Church for the 50th wedding anniversary of Reg and
Kay Wright, 3. Pm. Reg is RMVC member.
September 1983 – August 1984 Members: 39
Conductors Patricia Knox Accompanist: Leslie Reed President: Jack Woolley
Vice-Pres: Stuart Lazear Treasurer: Mervyn Crozier-Smith Secretary: Rem Walker Registrar: George Pickett Librarian: Keith Knox
Sections Reps: Tenor I( 10): Nicholas. Van Der Gucht, Tenor II (11): Harry Birrell
Bass I (10): Earl Joice, Bass II (8): Jim Ziegler
1983 Events:
November 2 Molson House Concert
November 11 Remembrance Day at the Armoury
November 13 Montmartre. Concert for Catholic Women’s League 2 pm, Bus trip
November 15 Concert for James E. Bradley Memorial Scholarship. Fund by Milestone Prairie Circle in Milestone High School. 8 pm
November 23 CKIT FM Radio taped our regular practice to be featured during Christmas
November 26 Blaine Herrell and Heather Leader married in Sunset United Church. RMVC sang
December 6 Christmas Concert in United Services Institute. 8 pm
December 7 Rotary Carol Festiva
December 11 Hotel Saskatchewan Regency Room. Kids and Adults Party. 3 pm
1984 Events:
January 7 50th Anniversary for Bruce and Mariel Knox, St. Andrewia. Ofc. 3 pm.
January 18 Museum of Natural History Concert. 8:30 pm.
Jan. 27/28 Save Darke Hall Coalition concert in the Education Auditorium U of R.
February 4 Move Music Library from Van Der Gucht’s to St. Paul’s.
February 20 Hotel Saskatchewan for North Side Rotary Hub.
March 15 Retirement Party for Bob May of Dept. of Agriculture at Empringham’s.
April 4 Music Festival at Knox Met.
April 7 Winnipeg Male Chorus Guest Choir in Knox Met. Lynn Channing, Guest Artist.Gordon McNabb, Conductor WMC. May Quillian, Accompanist- WMC. Hull house. $4.00 tickets.
April 11 Santa Maria Nursing Home Concert 7 pm.
April 19 Hotel Saskatchewan Concert, Academy of Chefs Spring Ball 8:30 pm.
May 2 RMVC wind-imp Party at Empringham’s
May Charitable Status received for the RVC.
May 23 Funeral for Ben Van Der Gucht in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
June 1 – 4 Regina Lyric Light Opera Society production of Fiddler On The Roof . featured severalmembers – Harry Veldhiis, Jack Woolley, David Allen, and Nicholas Van Der Cucht.
Serving as House Managers – Keith Knox, Rem Walker, Jim Ziegler, Harry Birrell, Jack Buyze, Jack Frager, Mervyn Crozier-Smith, Stuart Lazear, Geoff Statt, Cabo Walters,and George Pickett,
In September 1983 RMVC moved from the Senior Centre on Elphinstone Street to St. Paul’s Cathedral for practices and music Storage. This was not satisfactory. In April 1985 the RMVC moved from St. Paul’s to Knox-Metropolitan United Church for practices and music storage. For several years the RMVC earned extra money by selling van Tickets at various malls for the Sasktachewan. Sports Hall of Fame. The proceeds from this effort paid for bus trips to Winnipeg and other locations in the Province..
REGINA MALE VOICE CHOIR …
September 1984 – August 1985 Membership: 36
Conductor, Patricia Knox Accompanist: Leslie Reed President: Jack Woolley
Vice Pres; Blaine Herrell Treasurer: Geoff Statt Secretary: Rem Walker Registrar: Bill Coburn
Librarian: Keith Knox
Sections Reps: Tenor I (10) Charlie Stansfield, Tenor II (8) Harry Birrell, Bass I (10)Tom Atkinson
Bass II (8): Jim Ziegler
1984 Events:
September 22 Wedding of Brendan O’ Byrne and Debra Benjamin 3 pm Blessed Sacrament Church, Regina.
October 18 Masonic Temple Concert, Lodge of Perfection 8:45 pm.
November 11 Remembrance Day Service Regina Armoury.
November 29 Concert in WaWa Temple.“
December 3 Royal United Services Institute Concert 9 pm.
December 5 Mutchmor Lodge Concert 7 pm.
Rotary Carol Festival 9 pm.
December 12 Wolseley United Church evening concert.
1985 Events:
January 16 Luther College Concert 7 pm for Regina Womens’ Club.
January 28 Rae Street Extendicare concert 7 pm.
February 18 North Side Rotary Mub at Regina Inn for their Heritage Night honouring. Hilda Allen.
March 17 Bus trip to Melville for Melville Rotary Club 3 pm.
March 18 Keith Knox received one of the first annual awards from the Saskatchewan Culture and Recreation Department. Volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the community in the area of sports, heritage, recreation, culture, and the arts,
March 20 Two students from the Universtiry of Regina Music Conductorig Course, Diane Woolwich and Mary Lou Richardon, attended our practice to see how Patricia Knox does her job,
March 23 Pre-Concert entertainment at the Centre of the Arts.
April 5 Pre-Concert entertainment at the Centre of the Arts.
April 12 – 14 Bus trip to Winnipeg to be Chest Choir for the Winnipeg Male Chorus, Young United Church, Furby and Broadway, evening event. On Sunday morning we sang at Holy Trinity Church before returning.
April 17 Music Festival that evening
April 19 Bus trip to Springside to celebrate their becoming a Town.
April 27 Annual Concert in Knox-Metropolitan United Church 8 pm. Tickets $5.00. Guest Artists Wascana Trombone Quartet – Dick Raum, Robert Latimer, Bruce Wiwchar, John Griffiths, Donald. Lovejoy, Thomas Chase, Master of Ceremonites – Doug Alexander.
May 10 Bill Andrew’s funeral at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, We sang. Bill sang in various choirs for over 60 years. He joined RMVC in 1947
July 12 Farewell to Stuart and Lillian Lazear at the Hotel Saskatchewan 8:30 pm. Combined effort with Heritage Regina, Community Planning Association, Neutral Ground and RMVC
September 1985 – August 1986 Member: 42
Conductor, Patricia Knox Accompanist; Leslie Reed President: Jack Woolley
Vice-Press Blaine Herrall Treasurer: Wayne Everett Secretary: Rem Walker Registrar: Bill Coburn Librarian: Harry Valdhuis
Section Reps: Tenor I (10): Charlie Stansfield, Tenor II (10): Mervyn Crozier-Smith,
Bass I (14): Tom Atkinson, Bass II (18): Jim Ziegler
1985 Events:
September 4 Canadian Citizenship Ceremonies at the Legislatura. PM.
September 29 Reception at the Hotel Saskatchewan at 8 pm to. Welcome the Meibion Menlli Male Voice Choir from Newtown, Wales, They sang in Moose Jaw on October 7th. RMVC members attended.
November 11 – Remembrance Day Service.
November 15 – Riffle High School Concert organized by the Heritage United Church, 7 pm.
December 4 – Rotary Carol Festival.
December 15 – Christmas Concert at Pioneer Village 3:15 pm.
December 17 – Christmas Concert at Holy Rosary Cathedral 7:30 pm
In May, 1985 the RMVC was planning a trip to Vienna for a ainging tour of Vienna.. adjudication with other choirs, concerts, Hungary, Switzerland and Germany. A minimum of 16 members. was required. Only 14 were able to attend and to pay for their way, so it was a no-go.
1986 Events:
March 6 Sang during the funeral for Hilda Allen
March 13 Funeral for Jack Willmott at Lee Funeral Home. RMVC members sang Willnott was a member in the 1960’s
March 16 RMVC part of special choir to sing at Tommy Douglas’ funeral.
April 5 Pre-Concert entertainment at the Centre of the Arts,
April 30 Sang during the Music Festival
May 2 CBC TV had us on the 6 pm news to sing, live – Song of the Jolly Roger
May 3 75th Anniversary Concert in Knox-Metropolitan United Church 8 pm.
Guest Artist: Garnet Brooks, Accompanist: William Moore,
Master of Ceremonies Joan Freeman, Organist: David L. Johnson. Johngon arranged and composed a special version of ‘Shenandoah’ for male voices, dedicated by him to the RMVC with gratitude for 75 years of singing in Regina.
June 25 Reception 8 PM in the Hotel Saskatchewan to thank Patricia Knox for being conductor from 1981 to 1986
August David L. Johnson was appointed Conductor of the RMVC.
September 1986 – August 1987 Members: 38
Conductor: David Johnson Accompanist: Leslie Reed President: Jack Woolley
Vice-Pres: Al Taylor, Treasurer: George Pickett, Secretary: Rem Walker, Registrar: Bill Coburn
Librarian Harry Veldhuis
Section Reps: Tenor I (8): Wil Sinalair Tenor II (12): Merry Crozier-Smith
Bass I (9): Jerry Munchinsky, Bass II (9): Cabe Walters
1986 Events:
November 11 Remembrance Day Service Regina Armoury,
November 24 Pioneer village Concert.
December 10 Rotary Carol Festival.
December 17 RMVC Christmas Party at the Royal Canadian Legion,
1987 Events:
January 20 Robbie Burns Night Concert at Whitmore Park United Church
January 31 Sight-Heading Workshop at St. Paul’s, 9 to 3 pm
April 5 Concert with Zion Male Chorus of Moose Jaw at Zion United Church 7:30 pm
April 23 Concert for St. Geroge’s Society at Royal United Services Institute at 8:30 pm
April 25 Concert at Raymore 7:30 pm. Nancy Broad sang with us. Bus trip
May 2 Annual Concert in Knox-Metropolitan United Church 8 pm Tickets $5.00 (527)
Accompanist: Jeffrey Jones Guest Artist: Nancy J. Broad, Soprano.
May 6 Music Festival
May 27 Taping for the Lincoln Competition at Knox-Met. Sang ‘Men of Harlech’ and ‘The Long Day Moses’
June 7 The organ in St. Phillip’s Anglican Church was dedicated to honour Leslie and Margaret Reed for their work within the church, RMVC attended
The sumor of 1987 was a sad one with Gabe Walters passing away and Robert Walker killed in a car crash near Radvilie.
September 1987 – August 1988 Members; 37
Conductor: David Johnson, Accompanist: Leslie Reed, President: Jack Woolley
Vice-Pres: Will Sindair, Treasurer: Don Olson, Secretary: Rem Walker, Registrar: Bill Coburn
Librarian: Harry Veldhuis
Section Reps: Tenor I (8): Charlie Stansfield, Tenor II (10): Roy Ames,
Bass I (11): Ken Higgs, Bass. II (8): Jim Ziegler
1987 Events:
October 20 Concert in Hanbidge Hall, Centre of the Arts for Legion Convention 7:30 pm.
November 1 Concert in St. Andrew’s Church, Indian Head 7:30 pm.
November 21 Remembrance Day Service
December 9 Rotary Carol Festival
December 12 RMVC sang with the Regina Symphony Orchestra. . Harry Ellis Dickson from the Boston Pops was conductor for the RSO Program.
December 16 – RMVC Christmas Party at the Royal Canadian Legion.
1988 Events
April 16 Two concerts as Guest Artists for the Regina Ladiesi Choir in Wawa Temple, 2 and 8 pm
April 29 Charter bus to Wimipeg for the Big Sing in the Winnipeg Convention Centre, down town Winnipeg. 1000 male singers. Returned to Regina on Sunday May 1, 1988
May 8 RMVC was. Guest Choir for the Zion Male Chorus in Moose Jaw, Conductor for ZMC Dr. Lloyd G. Bray. Accompanists. Mrs. Pam Ludkar: Guest Artist: Garnet Brooks. Accompanist: Richard Frapet,
RMVC Annual Concert set for the fall of 1988 rather than the spring.
September 1988 – August 1989 Members:30
Conductor: Dianne Craig, Accompanist: Leslie Reed, President: Will Sindair
Vice-Pres: Lee Billesberger, Treasurer: Roy Anes, Secretary: Ren Walker, Registrar: George Ford Librarian: Harry Veldhuis
Section Reps! Tenor I (5): Charlie Stansfeld, Tenor II (10): Roy Ames,
Bass I (7) Ken Higgs, Bass II (8*): Jim Ziegler
1988 Events:
October 15 RMVC. Annual Concert, Knox-Metropolitan United Church 8 pm, Guest Artist: Garnet Brooks, Accompanist: Richard Frapet, Guest Chorus: Zion Male Chorus, Moose Jaw. Director: Dr. Lloyd Bray. Accompanists Mrs. Joyce Young.
Noverater 11 Remembrance Day Service, Regina Armoury.
November 16 Lumsden and District Heritage Home Concert, 7 pm.
November 17 William Booth Special Care Home Concert, 7 pm.
December 7 Rotary Carol Festival.
December 14 RMVC Christmas Party at the Royal Canadian Legion, 8 pm.
1989 Events:
May 6 Annual Concert, Knox-Met 8 pm. Tickets $5.00 (922)
Guest Artist: Barbara Collier, Lyric Soprano. Conductor. Dianne. Craig. Accompanist: Jordan Schnok.
May 7 Ken Jenkin’s Funeral. Sang: All Through The Night, Cyn Rhonda. In true Welsh tradition, singing was an important part of Ken’s life. A member of the RMVC for over 20 years, worked at various jobs before becoming caretaker at Albert School. Ken was dedicated to his job and performed his duties with an ‘extra. touch that earned him the respect of teachers and students. On February 25, 1974. the school at 5283 2nd Avenue N, was officially named after him.
Conductors
PATRICIA KNOX, CONDUCTOR 1981 – 1986
Patricia was born in Trail, B.C. to her parents James and Edna Bradley. She grew up in Milestone, Sask., graduating from the University of Saskatchewan as a professional teacher. She studied music in Germany. She had an A Musa in voice from the Western Board of Music. Patricia was twice winner of the Hatton Rose Bowl in Regina Music Festivals and was Saskatchewan Finalist at the National competitive Festival in Toronto in 1974.
In 1978 Patricia Knox was founding Preident of the Regina Lyric Light Opera Society and a Life Member of that organization. She played leading roles in many musical theatre productions, and a soloist with the Regina Symphony Orchestra on several occasions. The C.B.C. recorded several recitals of hers. Patricia was a voice instructor at the Regina conservatory of Music.
David Johnson Conductor 1986 – 1988
David was appointed conductor of the RMVC in the fall of 1988. He had a very active life in Regina’s music community, as a choir member in Carmichael Church and in a dual capacity as Choir Master and Organist at Knox-Metropolitan United Church. “My Fair Lady” and “The Music Man” were two of the musicals he directed. He organized the Elizabethan Singers, directing them for eight years. The City of Lincoln Trophy was awarded to them while David was Director. Music was his passion and vocation.
David’s flair for composing and arranging was evident when he arranged and composed a special version of Shenandoah for male voices. He dedicated it to the Regina Male Voice Choir with gratitude for 75 years of singing in Regina and district. In April 1988 David and the choir headed to Winnipeg in a Charter Bus to participate in “The Big Sing” with 1000 men singing, on stage, in the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
David’s health did not permit him to continue as conductor for more than two years. He resigned following the Annual Concert on October 15, 1988 which had been held over to the fall due to the other events taking place in the spring.
Dianne Craig Conductor 1988 – 1990
Dianne, with her husband and family, moved to Regina from Alberta where she was very active in the music community. After her arrival in the mid-1980’s she joined the Regina Philharmonic Chorus, became Director of the Carmichael Church choir and was appointed Organist of Westminster United Church in July 1989. Among her many interests she was a Guest Recitalist with Knox-Metropolitan, St. Paul’s Anglican, Carmichael and Wesley churches.
Dianne was appointed conductor of the RMVC in the late fall of 1988. She was conductor for the Annual Concert on May 6, 1989 and the Annual Concert on May 2, 1990. She resigned as conductor, for health reasons, immediately following the May 2, 1990 concert.
Sharlene Ortman Conductor 1990 – March 1992
Sharlene was appointed conductor in the fall of 1990. She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina in 1983. Sharlene taught Choral Music at Campbell: Collegiate then taught Elementary Music for the Public School Board. She was a teacher at Herchmer Community School when she became Conductor of the RMÁC. Sharlene conducted the choir during her first Annual Concert on May 4, 1991. She was conductor until March of 1992 when she resigned for personal reasons,
Dianne Craig Conductor March 1992 – May 1992
When Dianne Craig heard of our predicament she returned to whip us into singing-shape for the May 2, 1992 Annual Concert a few weeks away. Despite her illness with cancer she threw herself into the last few weeks of practice with vigor and enthusiasm. We all knew of her illness and, because of that knowledge, each man tried that much more intently to do her proud when we sang. Dianne was proud of us. We were proud of her, and grateful for her belief in us. At the time of her death each man remembered the lovely lady who helped us with unselfish generosity. Bless you, Dianne.