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Every time I try to explain what Alberta Heartland Chorus is about, I find that non-connoisseurs are confused with the term chorus. Here are a couple of explanations.

• What does chorus mean? Chorus has several meanings, which include a group of performers, which may consist of singers and dancers, and the repeated refrain of a song.
• What does choir mean? Choir has several meanings. In one sense, it means a group of singers. Choir can also refer to the section of a building where a choir performs.

September 8, 2019 - Alberta Heartland kicked off their most recent show with an exciting performance of "A Million Dreams."  The audience loved it.  They were ready and primed to catch the feeling with Matt Schuurman and Julian Faid from Rapid Fire Theatre, the emcees for the evening.  Some improvisational theatre, some audience participation, and a lot of music kept everybody involved.  Matt and Julian's brand of humor had them rolling in the aisles.  The music ranged from ballads to dance tunes, all presented in the barbershop style.  

Alberta Heartland is once more preparing for the Regional Contest in Surrey B.C.  It's early this year, so we are at camp He Ho Ha with our fabulous coach Queen Anne Downton, in February. This is an annual event for the chorus.  For two days we are on retreat,removed from our day to day lives.

It was minus 37 on Saturday morning, but we were sparkling in the warmth of friendship and music. Led by Anne, director Lisa and the choreography team of Dineke and Tina, we made the rafters ring.  After two days of intense coaching, we were able to relax on Saturday evening.  Mosiac Blend quartet hosted an entertaining skit night.  Games, music, food and fun kept us all laughing and singing until the wee hours.

Alberta Heartland Chorus returned from 2018 contest very pleased and proud of their accomplishments.  With an improved score, and a fifth place medal we felt that we had met our goal to be the best we could be.  After a year of coaching, rehearsing, and building our craft every member contributed to our success. 

There were a few glitches on the weekend.  A new outlet centre opening right in front of the airport may have caused a delay or two.  A last minute change in hotel rooms meant our two competing quartets had to move down the street to a different hotel.  And of course a strike at the Sheraton topped it all off.  But all was overcome by being flexible and focussing on why we were there.