Music has a way of bringing people together. With that old saying in mind, the St. Albert Singers Community Choir welcomes those who love singing, but don’t have formal musical training. In fact, neophytes don’t even need to audition.

“The only things you need are a willingness to learn, an open heart, and a love of singing,” says Caroline Crispin, the choir’s artistic director and principal conductor.

Founded in 1986 by Dr. Lillian Upright as an offshoot of her church choir, the St. Albert Singers has grown over the years from 24 singers in 1991 to roughly 60 today. The choir also expanded into the St. Albert Singers Guild, which at its peak included up to six groups, including the St. Albert Women’s Vocal Ensemble and four children’s choirs.

Singers range in age from their mid-30s to their 80s, including members who have been part of the choir for more than three decades. “Our singers come from all walks of life, including teachers, entrepreneurs, business professionals, retirees and everything in between,” says Crispin, who has been with the community choir since 2023. Members reside throughout St. Albert and surrounding communities.

The choir’s choice of material reflects the demographic range of its members. “Our repertoire is as varied as the people who sing it. We perform everything from classical choral works to contemporary pop and jazz, folk songs from around the world, and well-loved musical theatre pieces. Every program is carefully balanced to include something familiar, something fresh, and something that stretches us as musicians. This variety keeps rehearsals exciting for our singers and ensures our audiences leave feeling enriched and entertained.”
said Caroline Crispin

Crispin’s life-long passion for music began as a child when she learned violin and later joined a choir in elementary school. “The moment I sang in harmony, I was hooked,” she recalls. In addition to years of violin and voice training, she went on to earn a B.Ed. degree with a specialization in music education. She has been teaching band and music to Grades K-12 for more than 20 years, and began working with St. Albert Public Schools in 2009.

“I first connected with the St. Albert Singers Guild through my student choirs, as one of the board members had grandchildren in my program. In 2023, when the Guild began searching for a new artistic director, I was honoured to be chosen,” says Crispin, who has decades of experience directing choirs of all ages.

But how can a choir function when formal musical training is not a requirement? “We operate with the belief that a love of singing is the only real requirement for joining,” Crispin says.

“While some members read music fluently, others learn entirely by ear, and both approaches are celebrated. We support our singers with rehearsal tracks, sectional practices, and a teaching style that makes learning accessible to everyone. Over time, many members naturally develop music-reading skills, but the focus is always on creating a welcoming environment where everyone can succeed and feel part of the sound we create together,” she adds.

Crispin also believes that music can be a force that can connect with people in the community. “For me, this role is about more than leading the music, it’s about nurturing that connection, building community, and creating performances that leave our singers and audiences feeling uplifted, united, and part of something extraordinary,” she says

While the St. Albert Singers Guild still includes the women’s choir, the organization decided to put it on hiatus this season to focus on the mixed choir. “Bringing everyone together gives us more time to grow as one unified group, strengthening our sound, expanding our repertoire, and deepening the connections that make singing together so rewarding,” says Crispin.

The choir is also gearing up for its 40th anniversary in 2026. “Our 40th anniversary is going to be a celebration of why we’re still here, 40 years later, and going strong. It’s about asking ourselves what keeps us coming back year after year, and for us, it’s the joy of making music together,” Crispin explains.

“This season will honour the past and the strong foundation that’s been built, while also looking ahead to the bright future we’re building together. It’s going to be a mix of looking back with gratitude and looking forward with excitement.”

SIDEBAR

How To Join

The St. Albert Singers Community Choir meets every Tuesday from September-May at Muriel Martin Elementary School (110 Deer Ridge Dr.). New members are welcome at the start of each term in September and January. Interested singers can get in touch through the Community Choir’s website (stalbertsingers.org).

Christmas Concerts

Friday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m.St. Albert United Church (20 Green Grove Dr.)

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St. Albert Singers Community Choir