Gettin’ Higher Choir: Welcome

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Welcome

Our “come as you are” choir embodies the idea that singing is our birthright. Here, even the shyest of voices can re-discover the joy of singing. The Gettin’ Higher Choir is co-directed by Cathy Baker and Dick Jackson.

The GHC Continues in Person!

The Spring 2023 season is in full swing, with a planned concert Sunday afternoon, June 11th. If you are interested in joining our next season in September, see our links below:

How to Join the Choir Sign Up On Our Email List

Check Out Our YouTube Channel with Concert Videos

NEW! Daytime Singing with Cathy & Dick: "Outside Voices"!

Starting Thursday March 23, we will be running an eight-week experiment, through May 11.

For the first few weeks, Cathy & Dick will meet at Thursday at 12:10pm, at the start of the West Bay Walkway (Google Maps link) which connects with the Songhees Walkway leading to the Johnson Street bridge, (and is collectively known as the Westsong Walkway). This is at the bottom of Head Street in Esquimalt. We will make our way along the walkway toward the gazebo near the bottom of Maitland Street, stopping and singing at several scenic locations along the way and wrapping up back where we started by 1:30pm.

This location has easy access (no stairs), a parking lot, washroom and water fountain at the trailhead, and is on the #25 bus route, which has a bus scheduled to get there just in time for 12:10pm! (the #15 and #24 are possible, requiring a hilly walk)

Important: We hope to do this each week, rain or shine, but something might cause us to cancel, and we might consider other starting points, so do sign up for our Outside Voices email notices. (see below)

There is no required fee to join, but donations will be welcome, preferably by using the Donate button below. Suggested donation $5–$15 on a sliding scale—and as ever, we don't want anyone to miss out on singing if funds are tight.

To subscribe to "Outside Voices" Notices: If you are already on our mailing list for "Higher Notes", see the Mar. 22 email, or use the "update profile" link on any Higher Notes mailing. If you don't receive "Higher Notes", click here to sign up—be sure to check "Outside Voices" Notices.

Wednesday Evening Sing-In Events!

Click here to Register for Cathy & Dick's weekly Wednesday Evening Sing-In, 7:00–8:30pm Pacific Time. This takes place on Zoom, and when it's warm and light enough, we broadcast from Barnard Park, welcoming singers to join us. You will receive an email with instructions on connecting to the event, and an updated link and password in the hours before each Sing-In. See more details on the GHC info page.

High Noon Choir is on Pause

We are pausing High Noon Choir until we decide on a new plan for indoor daytime singing. Click here to Register at this Zoom meeting link to receive updates about indoor daytime singing (which will also include people on Zoom). See more details on the High Noon Choir info page.

For our drop-in Wednesday Evening Sing-Ins and High Noon Choir, you need to register, but there is not a set fee—we want you singing with us! And if you feel that you can offer to contribute, the way you would for a movie or a yoga class, your gift will be gratefully received.
(Note: we are not a registered charity):

or by Interac™ e-Transfer (no security question needed) to:

GHC News!

Recent Concert Videos

Videos from recent concerts are now all up on YouTube:

“You will smile when you hear the Gettin’ Higher Choir—it’s impossible not to. Each piece they perform is a celebration of the powerful humanity – and sheer enjoyment! – of singing. Choir directors Dick Jackson and Cathy Baker have struck a perfect balance. The repertoire is always interesting, varied, and challenging, AND everyone is welcome as they are, singing in a safe space where their vocal gifts and personhood are valued. The week I spent rehearsing and performing with GHC was one of the most wonderful, unforgettable experiences of my musical life. ”

— Pat Wictor, U.S. singer-songwriter, GHC Guest Artist

“The Gettin’ Higher Choir is an amazing, energetic phenomenon. Hundreds of people who love to sing and who seek community, are drawn toward the choir like bees toward nectar. The joy and enthusiasm that is generated when they sing is absolutely magnificent. [Former Co-Directors] Siobhan and Denis, both consummate facilitators, have created a marvelous template for community choir. In this world where harmony is of the utmost importance, what better way to foster the best qualities of the human spirit than to lift our voices together in beauty, passion and grace. The Gettin’ Higher Choir does all of this and more.”

— Ann Mortifee, Canadian singer-songwriter, GHC Guest Artist

A Testimonial from a First-Time GHC Singer

Hi Cathy and Dick,

I really enjoyed my first experience with the choir and I owe it to both of you.

Your passion and enthusiasm for the choir is amazing. My experience from your friendly welcome at my first night orientation session to the finale at the concert was wonderful.

Whenever doubts were starting to settle in and cause me to question if I actually belonged in the choir your enthusiasm and humour erased those doubts and I persevered. Originally, I had not planned to sing in the concert. Thought I might be in the audience the first time. Again, because of your commitment and passion I decided I should see the whole process to the end and sing in the concert. After the sectionals and the extra practices I could remember all the songs and I knew that I could be part of the concert. I’m so glad that I did see it through to the end. I enjoyed every moment yesterday. It was a memorable day.

I’m so looking forward to the next choir session.

[…]

Thank you so much.

— [Name withheld by request]
January 26, 2020