Join the Choir

The choir provides the opportunity not just to sing but also to connect with understanding others in a fun and supportive environment. The choir fosters a safe environment that allows us to be who we are without judgement. For some of us, the choir gives us a reason to get out of the house, especially knowing we will be met with an accepting and welcoming group of people who are genuinely happy to see us.

We are a low-barrier, no-cost, no-audition , secular choir for people with lived experience with mental health issues and our friends and allies. But, don’t worry. There are no tests or intrusive questions to join. We joyfully open our doors to people of all genders, backgrounds, and abilities. We ask only that you participate in our community at a level that is comfortable to you and that you sing with us.

We welcome seasoned singers along with this who are venturing into singing for the first time and everyone in between. You do not need to read music to sing with us. We practise each part separately and together during rehearsals and singers can access our practice tracks to work on their parts at home. Whether you are a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass, or have no idea, our conductor Earle Peach and fellow choir members will help you learn the notes and have you singing in no time.

Additionally, our assistant conductor Alaric Posey, teaches free music reading and theory classes before rehearsals for those interested in improving their skills in these areas.

We rehearsal most Tuesdays* from 12:15 to 2:15 PM in the Sanctuary at the Vancouver Unitarians at 49th and Oak (949 W 40th Ave, Vancouver). Practices are open to everyone and work on a drop-in basis. We meet year round except for a hiatus in August and some time off in December for the winter holidays.

Thanks to the support of our sponsors it is free to participate with no membership or music fees.

For those driving, there is parking on the north side of the Vancouver Unitarians property. Cyclists will find two onsite bike racks (marked BR on the map): one by the northwest corner of the Sanctuary and one by the southwest corner of the offices. Those coming by transit will find us on the #17 and #49 bus routes.

Those uncomfortable or unable to come in person may join us by Zoom. Please contact us to have the link sent to you.

*Please contact us before coming to a rehearsal. Sometimes, we are out singing at concerts or practising at other locations instead of being at our normal rehearsals.

We sing an eclectic mix of music in four-part harmony (SATB – Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass). We enjoy featuring the work of local composers, including pieces by our conductor Earle Peach. We sometimes foray into social justice and occasionally other languages, but our music is chosen to be accessible to all of our members. In fact, a number of our songs are requested by our singers. Check out our song library here.

We enjoy sharing our music with our community especially be the community has been so supportive of us. We often perform our songs at locations such as neighbourhood houses, community centres, and retirement homes. Many of our concerts include sing-alongs where audience members can make requests and sing their favourite songs with us.

We are proud to have a standing engagement performing and singing-along at Oppenheimer Park on the first Tuesday of each month throughout the spring and summer.

We have no special uniform, costume, or outfit to wear for our performances. Largely, we try to wear dark-coloured bottoms (pants, skirts, etc.) and some type of coloured top.

Check out our current, upcoming, and recent past activities on our Our Activities page, or browse our Photo Gallery to view our activities over the years.

Please note that participation in performances is entirely voluntary. Highs and Lows singers can opt to participate in all, some, or even no performances. No matter your decision, you will always be a welcome member of the choir and we will always be glad to see you.