04/01/2025
Cochrane Community Choir: 1976-2024
For 48 years the choir has been a well-loved presence in the community. The idea behind the choir started after Sister Rachel Desilets directed a group for an ecumenical church service in 1975. Encouraged by the response, she and Ruby Loucks proceeded to form what is now the Cochrane Community Choir. That first concert had between 35 to 40 members. Since then the choir has gone on to offer both spring and Christmas concerts to the people of Cochrane - most recently this past December. The only interruptions of these concerts was during the covid months.
Throughout the years, there have been a number of different directors and pianists - not to mention members - who have offered their time and musical talents. Early concerts involved colourful costumes, and even some dancing and choreography. In one memorable year, 1986, the spring concert was "We'll Meet Again" and commemorated the Canadian Legion's Diamond Jubilee. There were two evenings of this music, and the show even went on the road to New Liskeard and Smooth Rock Falls.
The following year, the choir joined the local high school to present "Annie Get Your Gun". The two concerts that year were sold out. As time went on the choir began to offer spring concerts with dinner, followed by the performance and afterwards dancing with a live band.
More recently, the choir was the entertainment with a lively rock 'n roll show at the local High School Reunion. Another memorable year we had a Broadway musical show, complete with top hats and canes. All these many concerts were extremely successful and much appreciated by the town.
While we have had fewer members this last year, they are no less dedicated. And now, after many years of their unwavering commitment to the choir, our current directors and pianists have understandably taken a well-deserved retirement. This situation, of course, means there is no way forward without some new people stepping up to help. Anyone interested should know that it does not need to be a long commitment. Even one session would be a help. Perhaps several qualified musicians could share the duties.
The choir needs help and perhaps this is the time to have a fresh new approach. After 48 years it would be profoundly disappointing to see the choir collapse. We hope there is someone out there who can help us continue.
Whatever happens, it has been a great privilege for all of the members, both former and recent, to be a part of this very special group. It has been an honour to bring our music to the people of Cochrane.
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