OCC Chorister Reflections

Attention Choristers: What does it mean to you to sing in choir?

Email us your reflections to add to this page!

Reflections from the Senior Choir:

  1. "Here's to song, Here's to time, Here's to both with friends of mine." Choir to me is more than just an extracurricular activity; it has become an important element of my life. Starting this September, I will have been part of The OCC for exactly half of my life. Some may think I am crazy; however it only takes one concert for them to understand exactly why being part of such a gratifying thing, can mean more than the world to one. Over the past 6 years I have sung more music than I could possibly ever count. My journey in The OCC has been extremely eventful. Between frantic rehearsals and adrenaline-rushing concerts in some the world's most famous churches, it is something that will contribute to not only my musical career, but from all of my years to come, in where ever life chooses to take me. The one aspect that has kept me part of choir as long as I have been is the people around me. "Here's to friends who raise their voices high." On the occasional Monday evenings when I am not feeling my normal perky self, all it takes is one of my favourite songs, and a few close friends nearby, and the stress of a wild day is soon forgotten. I have met people that will forever remain some of my closest friends. As the words of my favourite choir piece says" Kings have riches widely lane, Lords have land but then again, We have friends and song no wealth can buy."

    ...Alex Francis Gower

  2. The Oakville Children's Choir is a large portion of my life. For the past seven years I have made new friends and kept the old. In addition, I have experienced the exciting choir tours...need I say more? Of course, before you can tour, hard work must be put in, and in The OCC we strive to do our best. However, the most remembered choir practices involve the fun game of "search and destroy." Finally, now that I am an older chorister I enjoy giving back to the choir and doing the fun socials with the Cherubs. Looking forward to seeing alumni at the concert!

  3. It all started 4 years ago with my mom asking me to try out for the choir. So I finally agreed. One day my mom took me to Glenda's house where I sang Oh Canada. Little did I know she would ask me: "Would you like to be a part of the OCC?" and I said "ok"...not knowing what lay ahead. I started in the Cherub choir and then Intermediate choir, now I'm very excited to be in the Senior choir during the 15th year of the organization and next year going on a tour. It has been very fun and I hope that kids can join the choir to have as much fun as I have had and meet all the new friends I have met.

  4. I have been in the choir for 4 years and my favourite moments were in Albion Hills because I got to learn people's names and had a great time.

Reflections from the Intermediate Choir:

  1. Choir has meant many things to me, but most important of all is how it lets me sing my heart out. Everyone is always nice to me there. I can really be myself here.

  2. The OCC helped me make friends and helped me sing better. This will make me a better singer in the future. I enjoy coming to choir, everyday it makes me smile. One of my favourite memories of The OCC was the workshop in Toronto. We learned a song from New Zealand which was fun and we got to perform The Music Man. It was a great time!

  3. I have been in The Oakville Children's Choir for five years. Five years of hard work, fun, laughter and friends. My favourite memory from The OCC are those "after concert highs." The ones where you skip down to your holding room, singing your favourite choir songs. I also loved the African American music concert. The only concert where we were allowed to jump and chant in the aisles. My other favourite concert was the one last February called "My Favourite Things." In it, I got to meet Ericka Peck, whom I got my picture taken with! There are so many wonderful things about The OCC; the way it helps you grow as a singer, how the experiences thrill you, the friends you make. But, I guess The OCC mostly means music, the kind I'm surrounded by right now.

  4. Choir is a fun and helpful way for me to learn how to sing and to improve, I plan on coming back next year. I had lots of fun!

  5. The OCC helped me discover how much choral music means to me. Throughout my 5 years in this choir, I have discovered how much I love and enjoy music. That is something truly special to me. Without the choir, I would not be as passionate about music as I am today. I'm sure that everyone in the choir will agree with me. So to me, choir means discovery in music.

Reflections from the Cherub Choir:

  1. I like choir because it is fun to sing and I like Magic in the Air!

  2. There are many things I love about singing in The Oakville Children's Choir. Here are three: First, we can meet new friends. Second, I like learning songs, and if the songs are from a movie, then we can watch it, such as The Sound of Music. Last, I like to perform in front of an audience, and in choir I get to do that. It's exciting! After concerts, I like eating cookies at the reception. These are some of the things I like about singing in The OCC.

  3. You can learn a skill other than sports. I like the pizza party! Choir means happiness and fun! Because we are all singing together and just being happy and having lots and lots of fun altogether. I love to sing!

  4. Choir makes me happy.

  5. To me choir means that I have musical talent and that I can sing. Also I can learn a whole bunch of songs!

  6. To me choir is a place where you are always welcomed by smiling faces. If you had a bad day going to choir just makes it all better choir is just one big family.