09/11/2025
Gail Rokosh joined Battlefords Blend Harmony Chorus in the fall of 2022, a year after moving back into her home territory. She had spent about 25 years around Yorkton and Melville before returning to the Batleford area.
For several years her sister, JoAnne Stirton, encouraged her to become a part of this a ca****la barbershop group. Rokosh gave herself a year to settle into her new home before jumping in with both feet.
“I was inspired to join because it is an outlet where I could sing,” commented Rokosh. “I didn’t have to read music and I could perform. Being able to sing with my sister was also an incentive. It’s nice to have someone I know in the chorus to help guide me.”
Her first impressions of chorus members were that they have a sense of humor, are friendly, welcoming and accepting. Nobody seemed too serious, yet they got the work done.
She found many ways to learn the songs including printed music, weekly rehearsals and listening to and singing with recordings. Preparing for performances and competition can be hard work, yet it’s so rewarding.
“Seeing People smile and enjoy our music makes me enjoy performing. I guess I never thought I would. I Love it when people react with genuine feelings.”
One highlight of her first few years with Battlefords Blend was going to competition. Competition is a yearly event where choruses in the western Canadian region, Region 26, of Sweet Adelines International, come together. They come to learn, compete, network, and sing. Choruses in this region are from Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory and Nunavut. Region 26 has more than 800 members in 21 choruses plus quartets.
“It was exciting to hear our chorus named as the most improved chorus at the 2024 convention in Edmonton, Alberta,” commented Rokosh.
Even better were the words that the late Glenn Goodman spoke after our presentation at Villa Pascal last Christmas. Goodman was a musician of note and directed a number of excellent choirs.
“His words of praise gave our confidence a boost and encouraged us to go on and strive for even better performance,” said Rokosh.
She enjoys rehearsal time too. Everyone has something to offer to the chorus. “Even if you don’t feel your voice is good enough on its own, when you blend with the group everything sounds good. It all seems to come together,” claims Rokosh. “Members learn something at every rehearsal or workshop. Whether it’s new learnings or relearnings, it all helps!”
“Director, Jo Carter, is there to teach us how to be better,” Rokosh explains. “We’re lucky to have Jo as our director – so much skill, knowledge and ability to teach.”
Bettlefords Blend also has a board of directors and committees to help guide the chorus.
Rokosh quickly stepped up to serve on the board. She started as co-chair of the membership committee and now is the president.
As co-chair of the membership committee, she is helping to set up guest night for this year. It will be held on September 16 at St. George’s Anglican Hall in Battleford, starting at 6:45.
“In our chorus,” claims Rokosh, “everyone has a different skill set. Everyone has something to offer. We all share a love of singing.”
