New to the Stairwell, and loving it!

Nov 23, 2022 | Auditions, Choral music, General

Helen helps new Stairweller Evelyn with her music while Tina looks on

New Stairwell Carollers – Cathy and Celina

 

 


Cathy: It is such a pleasure to sing with the Stairwell Carollers! I joined through audition a couple of months ago. 

Celina: Stairwell Carollers is the first a capella choir where I participate, therefore, it’s challenging, but amazing at the same time.
 
 
 


 
 

 

 
 

What’s your first impression of our director and founder of the choir, Pierre Massie? 

Cathy: Pierre Massie is a retired music teacher who has been directing the choir for 45 years now. He has a great deal of musical experience and is very dedicated to the choir.
 
Celina: I feel that only in 3 months my level has improved… and I still have a lot of work to do!
Stairwell Carollers rehearsal at St Columba church, Ottawa

How do you like our repertoire for Christmas 2022?

 Cathy: The repertoire is wonderful. The music is challenging and fun but not extremely difficult. Pierre is a talented composer and has written or arranged some of the beautiful pieces himself. Choir members are encouraged to give their input into the repertoire for the next term.

Stairwell Caroller 2022 Xmas repertoire/song list

Could you describe the choir in a few words?

Cathy: I would describe the choir as an advanced, high-caliber choir.

Celina: It’s being a long time since I was in a choir where I had to practice almost every day, but when our voices mix together, the result is so beautiful that all the effort is worth it! 

First impressions of being a Stairweller?

Cathy: We are expected to gain a preliminary grasp of the music on our own, with the help of recordings and music software, which allows us to isolate our own part and reduce the speed, as necessary. Our time in rehearsals focuses on dynamics, working through difficult parts and polishing the sound.

Celina: My very first time singing with the choir I was super impressed of the quality of the voices and how everybody puts a big effort to be prepared for the rehearsals.

What’s the organization of the chorale like?

Cathy: Everything is extremely well organized. Members know dates of concerts and rehearsals far in advance and a weekly update from the director keeps everyone well informed. At the beginning of the term, members are told specifically which pieces will be worked on at each rehearsal, which makes it much easier to prepare.

 
Celina: I am impressed with the way our together time every week is more productive (compared to other choirs where I sang with in the past).

 

Tell me some things you really love about the choir so far.

Cathy: Over the years, the choir has given a significant amount of money towards scholarships and donations to local charities. It is a well-disciplined choir. Everyone is very friendly, but chatting during rehearsals is kept to a minimum.  The choir makes efforts to welcome newcomers and social events are being planned so that members get to know each other.

 
Celina: I’m very grateful for the patience that the carollers have with my volume, with my accent, with my high notes, thank you everybody for contributing and help me somehow to become a real caroller at the same level!

Auditions – Join us!

About The Stairwell Carollers:

Pierre Massie created our a cappella choir in 1977 while he was a music student at Ottawa University. With wins in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association competitions, we are ranked among the best of Ontario choirs. 

A registered Canadian charity, The Carollers also help local charities with net proceeds from concert tickets, CD and cookbook sales.  Since 1997 we have donated over $143,800 to local charities and scholarships.