The Joyful Noise Choir of Edmonton

Handing things off during the Drive Up meant - everything in one envelope for identification and then in a plastic bag for protection against the rain. Since Rein's arms don't meet social distancing requirements, a pole arm did the trick.

WHEN OPEN HOUSE BECOMES A DRIVE BY - Normally Open House is a room full of kids doing a craft, trying on uniforms, and even trying some songs in a trial rehearsal. This time it was 90 minutes timed for cars in drive by at 3 minutes each in the pouring rain. We get to say hello, take a picture for the scrapbook, drop off and pick up uniforms on exchange and say goodbye. Of 30 cars scheduled to come, 28 appeared on time and we ended at the final minute. Was it fun! You bet! All those excited and smiling faces. Thanks to everyone involved - Linda, Emma and Rein - none of whom were the worse for wear.

Choir Registration for Fall of 2020 has ended. Fifty-five children expressed their desire (in writing) to sing in support of Rehoboth Christian Ministries. The choir welcomes eleven new singers and the same time we say farewell to fifteen children who left to pursue new interests and priorities. See more at www.joyfulnoisechoir.ca.

2020 Registration Begins - Season 42 registration began today. Families wanting their children in choir starting September 2 can go online to register using the choir's website - joyfulnoisechoir.ca. The web site also tracks the progress of registration showing how many are returning and how many are waiting for openings.

Each fall, Joyful Noise starts the season with Choir Camp at Camp Rehoboth on Gull Lake. It is hard to express what it means to the children until you see the picture. Last fall the counselors chose the theme, "The Greatest Showman". We created our own circus finale at the end of their show. What a great memory!

As part of Christmas celebrations in 2008, the Joyful Noise joined Voce Humana Choir to sing in the Alberta Legislature rotunda. Thankfully this time we had an audience. The first time we sang there, only the Lt. Governor was in attendance.

The 2019 Choir performing at Choral Coffeehouse November 16, 2019 with Kyrsten Lofts and Emily Walker.

This year's theme is "Let Your Love Be Genuine". The valentine opens to four more valentines or eight petals of a flower. Children were asked in June's Open House to write and draw a picture of the things they loved. When all the valentine flowers were put together at Choir Camp in September, they made a bouquet of love.

Camp Sunday Worship With Woodynook CRC, Blackfalds AB

On September 8 the Joyful Noise Choir along with Lacombe's Soul Patrol Choir and members of the Alumni Choir brought the 40th Anniversary Service to Woodynook Christian Reformed Church. Seeing so many young (and older) voices together was an emotional moment. Our thanks to everyone who come out from Edmonton to help celebrate with us and the congregation of Woodynook.

The 41st Season Choir got their first taste of working as a team at this year's Open House in June. The Open House is a way to introduce new children to what "choir" is going to be like and it allows the leaders to hear what the sound of the new choir will be. As Director, it is a moment when I hold my breath. The sound they made was full, in pitch and with a lovely tone. With eighteen children in junior choir joining in for the first time, it must have been an adventure.

2019 Registration is completed. Sixty-three children registered including 18 in Junior Choir and 9 new members in grades 4-6. A total of 25 new children will begin their adventure with those returning for another season at Open House on June 9 at 4:00 pm at West End Christian Reformed Church. Uniform fitting, crafts, photographs, socializing and getting a chance to listen to the new choir sing.