Our Executive have been busy in the last few weeks updating our members’ contact information and delivering the OSSTF masks, pens and styli. If we missed you, please email me for your mask.

A woman in Britain today received the first vaccination to prevent the covid virus. Wow, this was truly a milestone on Dec. 8! Now there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It will be up to each of us to step up to the plate to get the vaccine which will protect our family, friends, neighours and ourselves. This will bring us back to some normalcy, hopefully sooner than later.

Wishing you all a good and healthy Christmas time. It will be a different one from past years but keeping safe is so important right now.

“Young at Heart for Singing Keeps Us Young” from Harmony Creed

by Marisa Costanzo, ARM Chapter 3 Member-at-Large
 

“We have two green lights. May I have the doors closed, please?” The sound of staccato clapping builds to a fever pitch. “Representing Area 5 and Sudbury, Ontario, under the direction of Jennifer Huss and Martha Walli, Nickel City Sound!” And so begins the 6 minute culmination of months of practice and hard work which has brought Sudbury women’s barbershop chorus, Nickel City Sound, to the contest stage. Nerves are reigned in as we emote and sell our two-song package to the assembled 6 judges and audience, mostly made up of sister-barbershoppers, family and friends.

I first joined Nickel City Sound (NCS) in 2004, after having considered the prospect over many years. I didn’t know what I was missing! A number of my colleagues were members and I would often hear from them during the annual membership drive for the chorus. But it was after meeting a fellow Reach For the Top coach from another board that I was finally encouraged to attend a guest night. I have never looked back.

Nickel City Sound is a competitive women’s barbershop chorus that sings beautiful music in the acapella style. Women from twenty to seventy years old comprise the chorus. We are part of an organization called Harmony Incorporated that has chapters along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and Canada. Each chapter is part of an area and Nickel City Sound is part of Area 5, which includes all Ontario choruses. That’s right….we are a chorus, not a choir! Each spring we compete at the Area level in order to earn enough points to win an invitation to compete at the International Convention and Contest in the fall. As we prepare for Contest, we learn our two-song package and consult a variety of coaches to help us polish our sound and performance. There is always so much to learn! This pursuit of excellence transfers to the rest of our repertoire, allowing us to proudly showcase our sound at various singouts in the Sudbury community. We also plan our own annual Christmas Show and/or Spring Show. All of these activities come with a sense of excitement and pride as we stand on the stage and pour our hearts out. Some of us have never sung in public before, having limited our one-woman shows to our car and shower only. The level of camaraderie as we sing, rehearse, travel, fund-raise and perform together is second to none. It’s also great to be part of an organization with so many opportunities to grow as an individual, not just in terms of performance, but through the many leadership opportunities available at the Chapter, Area or International level. Some women even gain enough confidence to form their own quartet and really let their inner diva shine!

The emotional and physical benefits of choral singing are well-documented. Learning and singing new music keeps your mind active and can help those suffering from dementia. The social connection helps to reduce stress and can improve your immune system. Making a commitment to a new hobby brings you out of your comfort zone and provides a sense of fulfillment. Above all, singing in a chorus can improve your happiness and well-being.

And it’s a blast! The women of NCS are fun-loving, committed to their music, multi-talented and supportive of each other. In these days of COVID, our resilience has been especially tested. Like everyone else, we have experienced a big change in our relationship with technology. From Zoom rehearsals to parking lot rehearsals, keeping socially distant and safe while singing has been a major challenge. Motivation is encouraged through work on ‘virtual’ projects and recordings and the addition of weekly ukulele lessons to any member who is interested….all on-line of course! We have even developed a new Virtual Membership Drive in order to recruit women who would like to be a part of somethingspecial and stay connected to the outside world until we can once again sing safely together in person. 

Many retired teachers are strong supporters of the arts in Sudbury. Since becoming a member of Nickel City Sound, it quickly became clear that the arts community in this city is a very closely knit one. It’s wonderful to be on the same bill as some of the other talented musicians that we have listened to and enjoyed for so many years. Contributing something as unique as barbershop music to Sudbury culture comes with feelings of gratitude and joy. 

If you are ready to emerge from the shower and step onto the stage, Nickel City Sound is always looking for female voices. There’s a space on the riser for you. Sparkly costumes provided. Sequins mandatory. 

joinus@nickelcitysound.ca
info@nickelcitysound.ca
www.nickelcitysound.ca
bookus@nickelcitysound.ca
 

*Performances by the Nickel City Sound Barbershop Chorus and quartets will be presented on Eastlink, Channel 610 on Saturday, December 19th, 2020. 

Research: Singing Improves Health & Happiness

Health Benefits of Singing 

Driving in the rain? How to avoid hydroplaning and control your vehicle

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water comes between your car’s tires and the road, causing your car to skid or slide across a wet surface. Even for the most experienced driver, this loss of steering and braking control can be a terrifying experience with potentially disastrous consequences.  

Learn more at www.otipinsurance.com/article85.