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Last Saturday, St Clement's teamed up with Mr Clements (no relation :) ) of Argyle Secondary School to raise money for travel bursaries for music students. The day began with a workshop led by Universal Gospel Choir's Lonnie Delisle.

"We're here today to sing about Jesus the Emancipator," Lonnie began.

"Whether you have faith or no faith, gospel music is about coming together around the common values of justice and inclusion," he said.

Lonnie went on to explain the history of gospel music in the American civil rights movement and its increasing relevance for today. The workshop was made up of 150 participants from four community choirs: Argyle Chamber Choir; Pacific Spirit Singers; Universal Gospel Choir; and Maddalena's Descant. A good showing of St Clement's parishioners also joined in the fun---including our own Diana Geys! Go, Diana!

At 2 pm the workshop concluded as each of the choirs took to the stage for a sound check before the concert started at 3:30. The north shore's Pacific Spirit Singers were up first. They charmed the audience with a rendition of "Loch Lomond." Director and BC Choral Federation Vice President Kevin Zakresky directed both the Pacific Spirit Singers and Maddalena's Descant. The latter sang a moving arrangement of Cindy Lauper's immortal ballad "True Colors." Maddalena's Descant is named after the first woman in history to self-publish her own compositions - Maddalena Casulana. Notably, Saturday was International Women's Day.

The Universal Gospel Choir followed, wowing the audience with chilling solos and an ensemble from their 80+ member choir. The Universal Gospel Choir is Vancouver's longest running community gospel choir, and the only designated ‘multi-faith’ choir in British Columbia.

Argyle Chamber Choir then treated the audience to a surround sound choral experience, singing an Anishinaabe piece from the balcony before making their way down to the stage for two more soulful pieces including one by Norweigian pop singer, Aurora.

As for the finale? What can we say? It was nothing short of incredible! 150 singers took to the stage and performed the three pieces they'd learned in just under 3 hours with workshop facilitator Lonnie Delisle. First up was Curtis Mayfield's classic "People Get Ready." Then, Richard Smallwood's "I Love the Lord". Judith Christie McAllister's "Sing Praises to Thee" conclued the event, the piece sung entirely by heart. By the end of the song, the choir had the audience on their feet dancing and singing along!

The donations are still being tallied from Saturday's event. Needless to say, the success of the event went far beyond money raised. Relationships were built. Young and old came together in song. Music to lift the soul echoed through the rafters!

Want a taste of the event? Click here for a video clip.

Photo: The Reverend Helen Dunn, Rector, poses with St Clement's music director, Lynley Lewis, Universal Gospel Choir director and workshop facilitator, Lonnie Delisle, BC Choral Federation Vice President, Kevin Zakresky, and Argyle Secondary School music teacher, Will Clements.