Children’s choir turns 25

Abbotsford, in B.C.’s Fraser Valley, has been home to the Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir for 25 years. From its beginnings as a children’s choir at Bakerview MB Church, it has grown into a thriving community choral program drawing singers from all parts of the valley. More than 600 aspiring young musicians have been enrolled in the PMCC’s program of choral education. A number of alumni members have gone on to professional music careers or active church ministry.

Local school teacher and musician Nancy Dyck, together with a group of parents, founded the PMCC for the purpose of teaching musical excellence to children. In its 25-year history, the choir has sung in many venues – Carnegie Hall, the Crystal Cathedral and festivals in Europe, North America and the Far East. This year, almost 70 singers are enrolled in the choir, which is now led by directors Nancy Dyck, Martha Dyck and choreographer Sylvia Friesen. This July, the choir’s Chamber Singers will participate in the Niagara International Music Festival and perform on 100 Huntley Street.

The choir’s newest CD, Total Praise, has just been released. It features two music video clips as part of the choir’s move towards energetic, choreographed concert performances. Further information can be found on the choir’s website.

—from a news release