By Ann Waters
Wake up! The earth is changing
And the signs here for all to see
Our planet is in peril
Wake up! And remember
Sustainability
Sustainability may not be the kind of song that one would expect in a choir’s repertoire. Yet it fits in exactly with Just Voices. A 30-member activist choir, we sing music that promotes peace, social justice and environmental responsibility. We also include songs in French, Spanish, German, Zulu and Swahili. In each concert we feature an Indigenous-themed number.
I joined Just Voices in 2012, looking to combine my love of singing and interest in promoting awareness of important issues of the day. I have gained so much from being part of this wonderful choir: it encouraged me to take up piano at the age of 60. I was introduced to numbers of different issues and types of music. Learning to sing in a group is very challenging but rewarding; we are forced to listen to our fellow choir mates and fit into the performance. And a real bonus has been meeting some superb people who have over the years become very close friends.
The choir was started in 2004 by a group of singers, ld by Greg Furlong, who wanted to combine music and the concern for the environment and social justice. We have continued in their tradition of managing the choir in a very collective manner. The music is chosen by both the Music Director Jean Winter and choir members. The volunteer board seeks input from all the members also in matters of arrangements and performance opportunities.
The wide variety of themes in the repertoire is truly exceptional. Indigenous songs have become a regular feature of our concerts; we have sung Susan Aglukark’s “O Siem” and Amanda Rheume’s “Red Dress”. “Who’s gonna stand up and save the Earth” by Neil Young is one of our favourite environmental songs. Women’s rights are expressed through songs like “Makhozikazi” (Women of the World in Zulu) and “Bread and Roses”. But not all songs are serious: our recent humorous reworked version of “Mamma Mia” called “Dougie Ford” is very topical, with lyrics changing along with the political landscape. Audiences love to sing along with this song during our concerts.
Just Voices is all about building community. Choir members support each other in learning the music, but also through friendship outside of rehearsals. We have sung at numerous events which champion social justice causes: Women’s Day March, Pastors for Peace and Ottawa Riverkeepers. Proceeds from our two annual concerts always go to a local charity, typically chosen by choir members. At last December’s concert we supported Odawa Native Friendship Centre 510 Rideau Drop-in Centre at the request of our Indigenous guest performer Doreen Stevens. Other groups who have received donations are Ancoura, a supportive housing network, Harmony House and Ecology Ottawa.
New members are always welcome. No audition is required, nor is the ability to read music. Just Voices rehearses from September to June on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm at the Bronson Centre. If you like to sing and are passionate about the environment and social justice this may be the choir for you!