Harmony Through Vancouver Youth Choir

Photo courtesy: Seoul Foreign School Instagram

Imagine stepping into a room filled with voices so rich and powerful that the air itself seems to hum with energy. SFHS choir students felt this experience when they joined the Vancouver Youth Choir (VYC) for an unforgettable experience.

Singing with the VYC wasn’t just another daily practice, but many students found this to be a day full of realization. While reflecting on that special day, Surene Cho (9) shared, “It felt somewhat grander than normal choirs.” After having been a member of the choir in and outside of school for five years, Surene says working with the VYC felt special because it was the first time she had been part of such a large ensemble. Beyond the skills they learned during the rehearsals, the singers took away valuable life lessons. According to Surene, “The biggest lesson we learned was the importance of engagement when using the voice,”. Through the help of Ms. Carrie Tennant, she discovered what mindset she should have while singing to transform their thoughts for the audience. 

One of the songs they learned, Like a Circle, helped her improve tender vocals and longing with every note. She explained that the experience was “inspiring, enriching, and transformative.” Singing with the VYC expanded her understanding of what it means to connect with music, not just as a performer but as a performer who tells a story.

For Ellie Suh (9), the rehearsals were anything but ordinary. Ellie stated that “despite the drastic change in environment, our sound as a group was far more rewarding.” With the shift from singing in a small group to a large one, many chorists went out of their comfort zone. However, this challenge served as a reminder of why she loved singing in the first place.

Recalling the moment, Ellie admitted, “I think a lot of singers, including me, often get caught up with the need to sound perfect.” However, Ellie says that performing with the VYC helped her embrace the imperfections and the mistakes she made throughout the rehearsals and performances. She deeply connected to the message of the songs they performed like Like a Circle, describing her experience as “passionate, enlightening, and transformative.” Singing with the VYC was a reminder for not just Ellie, but the SFHS choir, that it is important to embrace the mistakes and fill the music and energy in the room. 

For all the choir students, VYC was a valuable learning experience for all. They didn’t just learn about how to be great singers but also how to find joy simply by singing with others. Vancouver Youth Choir was an important chapter in the SFHS singers, one that they’ll remember forever.