It was Confucius who said, “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”
Nothing could ring more true for the 22 members of the Georgian Singers. And like every good group, they have an origin story.
The Georgian Singers started at St. George Anglican Church (now All Saints) as a barbershop quartet in the late 90s. When there became an apparent interest in others joining the group, they expanded, and at their largest have had 25 members.
A member for six years, baritone Bill Yates loves the social aspect that comes with being a Georgian Singer and the opportunity to perform in the community.
“The youngest is about 70 with the majority being closer to 78 to 85 with a few 90-year-olds…It’s just guys who enjoy singing, you can feel it when the harmonies come out, you can feel the push,” Yates tells the Journal.
Currently, the all-men’s choir is led by Steve Carapiet, a former music teacher and seasoned choir director.
“We are just guys who like to sing, but this guy is talented; he knows his music,” says Yates.
Carapiet brings with him a dynamic energy that inspires the singers to reach different levels alongside accompanist Gwen Butler, who Carapiet says — as the only woman in the group — keeps them from getting too rowdy.
But when it comes down to it, Carapiet knows how to keep these senior singers in line.
“I’ve had other conductors conduct me and the one common thread I didn’t like…was yelling; they would yell at the choir if the choir was getting out of line…. My thing especially through teaching was to give them a reason to watch you. So that’s what I do.
“So when I do the warm-up, I keep changing the speed right in the middle so they have to watch me…” he adds. “So right from the warm-up, I get them to playfully watch me… it’s not going to be the same way every time.
“It’s also fast; don’t give the children time to get in trouble. Keep it moving,” he laughs.
The Georgian Singers are always looking for new members, and if you are thinking about joining but can’t read music, don’t let that hold you back. The number one requirement is a love of singing.
“We’ve got quite a diversity of abilities,” says Carapiet. “A lot of professionals in there… some who can barely read music, to others who are good at it. And so, with my teaching background that’s another plus, where I can get them to navigate through some of the more complex numbers that we do.”
The group practices every Monday at All Saints Church from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and sings both sacred and secular songs.
Carapiet even reveals they are starting to add some pop songs to the repertoire.
“With new members coming in…if they can’t read music, well, there’s a way they can have fun. Because they know the tunes, chances are, and if they don’t, it doesn’t take long to catch
on to them, but it’s anything from the Beatles to, you name it.”
The singers will be performing during the church service on Mother’s Day (May 12) at St. Giles and everyone is invited to attend. And Carapiet reveals the group will be putting a bit of a jazz spin on Amazing Grace.
“They (the audience) will hear something different even though it’s a familiar tune.”