GWSA 2020-21 Annual Report

Silvertones Choir
When the Evergreen Centre closed in March 2020, and then announced they would remain
closed until further notice, we were disappointed but not surprised. Our last choir practice at the
Evergreen Centre was March 13, 2020. We then had to cancel our planned sing outs at eight (8)
nursing/retirement homes. Another disappointment because we know how much our audience
really enjoyed seeing us come, and what a wonderful feeling it was for us to see a smile creep
onto the faces of some of our most elderly and frail seniors. And yet another disappointment
when our beloved Accompanist, MaryLynn Woods, retired from the choir, with a small send off
and a thank you for all she has done for the choir and for many GWSA events with our very best
wishes.
We are a family of more than 50 members and still growing despite this pandemic. The
Executive knew that, if we wanted to stay safe and be well, we would have to get creative in
order to keep our choir together. Who best to do this of course is our two fearless leaders, Ann
Sneyd, Director, and Doreen Muir, President. There would be no choir without their inspiring
and creative leadership.
Weekly emails began to arrive in our inboxes from Ann Sneyd. It was agreed that we need to
keep in touch with members, and the Executive began monthly wellness phone calls to members
to ensure they are coping well with the isolation most of us have been feeling. Much
appreciation has been expressed by members for our concern about everyone’s well-being.
Most of our members had no experience with Zoom. We would like to thank the GWSA for
providing loaner iPads to some of our members and for assisting them in learning this new skill.
Thank you also to Ross Knechtel for getting us started on Zoom. Also thank you to our new
Zoom Hosts who have taken on the challenges of learning to Zoom on behalf of all of us:
Doreen Muir, Barbara Moldenhauer and Lynda Annis. We began with an Executive meeting,
followed by the Strummers who have now formed a group of their own. The Lullabye Grannies
had a practice on Zoom and soon all 54 members were practicing every two weeks.
In the Fall of 2020, and with emails and phone calls flying around, we settled on our music. As
volunteers have not had access to the GWSA building because of the pandemic, Tonie MacInnis
from the City pulled music from our files and arranged for pick up by our Music Co-ordinators,
Patti DuGuid and Marion Cassolato. Our many thanks to them for sorting and getting music out
to our members, some even delivered (safely) to their homes. Listening to Ann play the piano on
Zoom and practicing in the confines of our own home by singing to the computer has been a
most hilarious and challenging time for us all. But we are doing it and feeling so much better for
keeping in touch.
We have managed for over a year to keep our members informed and engaged through Ann’s
Monthly emails and all the work she does to prepare for our bi-weekly Zoom practices, Doreen’s
involvement with the Program Committee, and a willing Executive who go beyond what is
required. We have not stopped thinking about the future. We look forward to practicing
together when it is safe to do so in a comfortable space. We want to celebrate our 40 th +
Anniversary in a special way when we are able and to catch up on each other’s lives in person.
Music brings so much joy to us all.
Submitted by Thelma Smeltzer
22