Welcome!
Since 1996, the Gettin’ Higher Choir has been welcoming all voices and affirming singing as everyone’s birthright — and yes, we would want to hear you sing! Shy voices can rediscover the joy of singing, and seasoned singers can find new harmonious company. The Gettin’ Higher Choir is co-directed by Cathy Baker and Dick Jackson in Victoria, BC, Canada.
We are not associated with any religion or spiritual path, but seek to embrace and celebrate humanity’s highest aspirations through music, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. There is no audition, and no singing experience is required, just a desire to sing in harmony with others.
“Share the Journey” with Katie Sontag — Benefit Concert for QomQem and Peer2Peer
Sunday, January 18, 2026, 2:30pm (doors 2:00pm)
directed by: Cathy Baker and Dick Jackson
with special guest: Katie Sontag (Website)
The Gettin’ Higher Choir presents “Share the Journey”.
Our guest, Katie Sontag, is a dynamic, inspiring singer-songwriter and community song leader from Eugene, Oregon. She writes songs that are honest and vulnerable. Her vocals, lyrics, and melodic lines capture audiences and take them on an intimate journey. She is both a singer/songwriter and song leader, weaving into her original works unique places for the audience to sing.
Featured on the choir’s set will be uplifting songs from English and French Canada, South Africa, the US, as well as two British classic pop tunes.
And we look forward to joining together with Katie on some songs from her repertoire and ours!
a benefit for:
QomQem Coastal Connections – Indigenous Harm Reduction & Health Services
and
Peer2Peer Indigenous Society
venue: Broad View United, 3703 St. Aidan’s St., Victoria, BC (Google Maps)
tickets: Coming soon!
Gettin’ Higher Choir Spring Season Starts February 3rd!
The Spring 2026 season starts Tuesday, February 3 through mid-June (taking a break Feb. 24 and March 3), with a planned concert in the second or third weekend of June. You can trust that our choice of repertoire will be as satisfying as ever!
- Tuesday sessions (In-Person AND on Zoom) run 7:00pm to 9:00pm Pacific Time. We sing at Norway House, 1110 Hillside Ave. (Google Maps link) It’s on bus routes #4 and #9, and close to the #6.
- Wednesday Sing-In sessions (on Zoom, and sometimes in person) run 7:00 to 8:30pm Pacific, and these are open to the drop-in public (see below).
Tuesday practices are focussed on singing to build community, strengthen our resilience, have fun, experience harmony and to prepare songs for our planned fundraising concert.
Our concert repertoire this season will come from southern Africa, from folk music traditions (old and new, from near and far), and we’ll have some other surprises!
Wednesdays (our “Sing-In” nights) are similar, but open to a wider community and have no pressure to learn any concert repertoire.
How to Join the Choir:
Try Us Out for Two Weeks — No Commitment!
Please register (so we can email details), but no need to pay yet! — just come to an orientation session at 6:30pm, either in person or on Zoom, on one of the first two Tuesdays of the season (February 3 or 10) — then join in the singing that starts at 7:00pm.
To join Tuesday on Zoom, please register, then watch for an email with the link!
Click here to register for GHC Spring 2026 Season (Google Form)
For full info about joining, including Fees, see the Join Us page.
Our Recent Concert: “Honouring Siobhan” June 29
Together with Wavelengths Community Choir
and Special Guest, Ann Mortifee
Farquhar Auditorium at University of Victoria
Please support our fundraising efforts by donating to
The Caia Connection:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-caia-connection/
For more info, visit https://www.caiaconnection.ca
Sign Up on Our Email List
… as a Possible Singer or for Concerts & Event Notifications
Wednesday Evening “Sing-In” Events — on Zoom (and sometimes in person, too)
Need a mid-week lift to your spirit? Join Cathy & Dick for our drop-in Wednesday Evening Sing-In. We’ll meet in Barnard Park in Esquimalt when the weather is good, and always include a Zoom option for those from out of town, or who want to stay cosy at home. We’ll include songs that are satisfying and beautiful to sing and relatively easy to learn in a short time. There is no performance pressure, plenty of fun, and opportunities to connect with each other and build supportive community. Read more…
Subscribe to "Wednesday Sing-In" Notices
Thursday Midday “Outside Voices” – Outdoor Daytime Singing with Cathy & Dick:
Join us for a scenic oceanside walk with “Outside Voices” outdoor drop-in singing. Typically, we meet somewhere near the shore in Esquimalt around noon, and we alternate singing and walking the shoreline, wrapping up after about 90 minutes. We plan to be out every week, rain or shine, but please subscribe to get notices each Thursday by 10:00am, confirming the details of exactly where and when we will meet that day! The songs and the walking path we take are very accessible! Read more…
Subscribe to "Outside Voices" Notices
Donations
For our drop-in Wednesday Evening Sing-Ins and Thursday Outside Voices, you need to sign up for email notices, 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)
US Funds:
“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”
“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”