What are the singers saying?
“Fun, uplifting, a delightful way to stay connected.” - Connie G
“I have loved to sing since I can remember, especially singing with others, but have never really done so outside of the campfire or Christmas carolling in my adult life. Jennifer provides a welcoming space, that invites and encourages creativity, learning and community. Her song selections have become positive mantras that I sing to myself between choir sessions. I love that many of the song selections originate in other countries! It feels like a way to travel in a time when travel is not possible. I leave each session with a sense of buoyancy and joy that has been hard to come by during the pandemic, and with new-to-me music to explore.” - J.W.
"Who could have thought a choir could be so much fun! Jennifer has a gift of making the choir experience satisfying and authentic. You feel the connection with her and the other members as she directs harmonies, rounds, and teaches familiar and unfamiliar songs from different countries, cultures and musical styles. Participation is fully supported with recorded harmony parts and lyrics. -T. C.
“Each week our Rhythm & Song choir session leaves me feeling happy and invigorated. There is laughter, singing, dancing and storytelling, all in one 90-minute session. Love it! Jennifer puts in a lot of work to bring us songs of hope and inspiration each week. For that I am truly grateful. We even had Ian Tamblyn as a guest performer join us to perform and talk about a song of his we were singing. So special.” -Cheryl
"If you had told me a year ago that I would join a choir, I would have laughed my head off. Now, Jennifer’s sessions are the highlight of my week. My favourite part is seeing the smiles on everyone's faces as we sing together. Vocal tracks are made accessible for between session practice." -J.P
“I have attended the Rhythm and Song Choir for the past seven years in-person, and find it to be a great way to relieve tension, meet some friends, share a laugh, and improve my own singing. Jennifer leads carefully planned sessions teaching a variety of songs to spark everyone's interest and ability. All current song tracks (melody and harmony parts) and lyrics are available online for singers to practise with if they choose to. Jennifer always brings her incredible musical talent to every session and, it's safe to say, that we all leave feeling better than when we began!” -Mary-Jane
“My song inside is very shy and each week I am surprised at how my voice and inner song gain confidence and emerge. As a live-in caregiver for my 93 yr. old mom, I felt joy watching her return from three months in hospital to join me and the Rhythm & Song singing community on Zoom. At the beginning of her recovery she only had energy for half a session. Now, five sessions later, she fully participates and we continue singing our new soulful expressions even after Zoom time is over. I was struggling with what to do with my mom who is going blind, can’t visit anyone during COVID, and has very limited mobility. We’ve discovered we can SING!!” -Tori 2021
“Jennifer’s Rhythm & Song choir sessions are FUN! With unending enthusiasm, a beautiful voice and well-picked songs, she takes us on a musical journey. During this long winter, we lay our troubles down by the river and then we got on board for the train to Jordan. Then, we o-o-o- ee- ee- ee e-e-e lios-ed the sunset in Greek. Sunlight woke us up and got us going, sailing to the Mediterranean where we found love, song and joy in our pockets. We kling-klanged to the dancing calves in Sweden and flew out into space on the wings of a dove. We went out walking when the moon was low, then we turned around and came home again. And we did all of this in eight sessions!” - M-J. M.
“Having loved singing with Jennifer “live” in Perth a couple of years ago, I was unsure about trying the online Zoom format. I was pleasantly surprised! Jennifer manages to spark the same delight of singing in an informal choir. Accompanied by the many vocal tracks as we sing makes it almost like we are hearing each other. The variety of songs keeps our interest, and the anonymity of being “muted” encourages me to try any part. I appreciate the breakout rooms, to get to know other singers a bit. I look forward to our sessions! -R.P. 2021
I have been so happy to be singing along on Zoom with the Rhythm & Song virtual sessions during this Covid shutdown. I find the music so interesting especially when we are doing songs in international languages. Being in Montreal and able to sing along with people who are in other parts of the country has been a joy (not to mention seeing my sister, who lives in a different province, singing along as well!) I look forward to the singing, the physical and vocal warmups and seeing all the smiling faces of people who share my love of singing. -Lesley A. 2021
Jennifer, I have never sung in a choir, but often wanted to. I'm amazed how you are able to make this experience feel so real, fun and lively in spite of it being on zoom. You make us all feel like we are right there with you. I love singing along to your voice, your lovely smile and your super helpful hand gestures! I'm learning how to sing. Thank you. -A.J. 2021
Always a joy to sing virtually with Rhythm and Song. Even though we can't hear each other, it seems as though we can, with Jennifer's inspirational directing and selection of songs. -M.C. 2021