This unique choir features accompaniment (and rockin’ solos) by piano, bass, guitar, and drums. Performing music by bands like Journey, Whitesnake, The Beatles, Van Halen, Guns n’ Roses, The Rolling Stones, and other fun rockers. This is a choir where you can really belt it out! Arrangements are for soprano, alto, tenor, bass, along with the band… and on some songs there’s the opportunity to sing a solo part, backed up by the whole choir and band!
This is a non-auditioned choir, and we believe that everyone has what it takes to rock with us! Not a musician or a notation reader? No problem, we’ve got you covered. Choir members can use the free app Compose by SmartMusic to practice at home (see the video below to see how it works). It’s fun, and easy! MP3 audio demos are also available.
The choir rehearses Thursdays from 6:15 to 8:15. We wrap up the season of rehearsals with a performance at St Andrews-Wesley Church on December 12th (a big 800+ capacity venue). Entry to the concert is by donation to charity – Lookout Society.
If you need to miss some sessions, no problem! You’re not required to be at every single rehearsal in order to take part. This is a FUN choir, and we don’t want it to feel like a lot of pressure to enjoy.
The music (charts, demos, practice tools) are all ready to go for the season, and you’ll receive all that as soon as you register.
Want to join us? We’re currently taking a wait list but we’ll get in touch as soon as we have room for you.
About choir director Juhli Weiss
Juhli Conlinn Weiss has a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Voice from Capilano University, and a Bachelor of education from UBC. For the last 20 years, she has been actively singing both in the Vancouver music scene, and internationally. She has sung in groups ranging from traditional jazz, to top forty cover bands, to original bands as both a lead and a supporting musician. Highlights include singing with Company B Jazz Band since 2007, singing with Khari McClelland for his CBC feature “Freedom Singer” in 2016, touring with CR. Avery, and leading 200 Suns in a feature spot at the 2015 Vancouver TD jazz festival.
She has directed community choirs since 2015 and has worked with private piano and voice students for the last 15+ years. Juhli loves sharing her joy of music making with others and unlocking new levels of musicality.
about Choir Creator Nick La Riviere
Choir creator, organizer, and arranger (chart writer) Nick La Riviere is a professional freelance musician. He tours across Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Europe with various bands including the Juno winning band, The Paperboys. His main instrument is trombone, but he also loves to sing, play bass, piano, and conch shells (yes, for real). He loves playing all styles of music and has performed with iconic rock band 54-40, as well as composed horn charts for their show. In addition to performing, Nick directs the Victoria Rock Choir, The Nanaimo Rock Choir, The Soul Source R&B Band, and The Jive Big Band.
VIDEOS
Not sure if you’re a Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass? This should help… and also inspire you with our super fun arrangement of Don’t Stop Believin’! (this is probably about the most complicated arrangement we’ll try by the way!)
Want to skip to the song? Click here!
Check out our system to make it super easy for you to practice your part at home whether you’re a music reader or not!
Q&A
Will there be opportunities for solo singing, or is it all choral?
YES! Some of the arrangements will include solos where one person can take the lead, backed by the choir.
Are voice roles (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) gender specific?
NO! Anyone is welcome to whatever part suits their vocal range.
For those who can’t read notation, how will rehearsals works?
Whenever possible notation reading members will stand between non-reading members at rehearsal. Also, the music will be given out ahead of the first rehearsal, both in notation and in the online playback system (see the video above) so you’ve got a chance to start getting comfortable with it before singing with the group.
In the News
We’re a new choir, but if you’d like to see how much fun the members of The Victoria Rock Choir are having, check out this news article! (Click the image to see it in full screen)
About the charity we support
- Lookout Housing and Health Society is a non-profit charitable organization established in Vancouver in 1971. They provide shelter, housing, outreach, health and support services to marginalized individuals who face complex barriers to housing, health and support services. Everyday, they provide minimal barrier, trauma informed services that enable individuals to work towards greater stability and independence through activities such as cooking, budgeting, basic life skills, food security, basic education and pre-employment programs to over 3,000 people
Questions? Contact sing@vancouverrockchoir.com
We’re currently taking a wait list, but if you’d like to fill out the form below we’ll make sure to get in touch when we have room for you – likely in our next season beginning in January.