By David Sanders, President, Winnipeg Male Chorus
There is something remarkable that happens when voices come together.
A familiar melody begins softly.
Individual voices join in, each contributing something unique. Soon, those separate voices blend into a richer sound—one filled with warmth, energy, and emotion. For those singing and those listening, the experience becomes something greater than the sum of its parts.
Perhaps that is why people have sung together for centuries, and why men have continued to gather with the Winnipeg Male Chorus for over six decades.
Music has always had the power to bring people together. Long before streaming services and earbuds made music a solitary experience, songs were shared. Families gathered around pianos. Friends sang around campfires. Communities came together in churches, schools, and choirs. Singing wasn’t simply entertainment; it was participation. It was something people experienced together.
That tradition remains alive today.
While many people think of choral singing as old-fashioned, the Winnipeg Male Chorus embraces an astonishing variety of music that reflects the tastes and memories of modern audiences and singers.
Recent repertoire has included arrangements inspired by artists such as Supertramp, Elton John, Michael Jackson, the Doobie Brothers, and Leonard Cohen. Songs that once played through radios, cassette decks, and car stereos find new life through the harmonies and richness of male voices. Familiar melodies become fresh again, not through technology or special effects, but through the timeless power of people singing together.
For many men who grew up with the soundtrack of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, there is something deeply satisfying about rediscovering those songs in a new way. Music that once accompanied road trips, dances, and family gatherings becomes part of a shared musical experience that creates new memories while celebrating old ones.
Yet the rewards of singing extend far beyond the music itself.
In an age when people often find themselves isolated despite being constantly connected, choirs offer something increasingly rare: genuine community.
An evening rehearsal becomes a welcome break from the pressures and distractions of daily life. For a few hours, work, errands, and responsibilities fade into the background. Attention shifts to learning music, creating harmony, and enjoying the company of others. There is laughter, there is encouragement – and there is satisfaction in working together toward a common goal.
And there are friendships.
Choirs bring together people from different walks of life. Members may come from different professions, generations, and experiences, but music creates common ground. What begins as a shared interest often develops into lasting camaraderie. Many singers will tell you they joined for the music but stayed for the friendships.
Research has also shown that singing contributes to overall well-being. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Unlike many activities that become more difficult with age, singing is something that can be enjoyed throughout life.
Whether someone has years of experience, sang in school, or simply enjoys singing along with their favourite songs, there is always room for another voice.
Perfection is not the goal.
The joy of singing comes not from flawless performance, but from participation—from contributing one’s own voice to something larger than oneself. No single singer creates the sound. It is the blending of voices, the listening to one another, and the shared commitment to the music that make the experience meaningful.
That spirit extends beyond rehearsals and concerts. Through performances in personal care homes and community events, the Winnipeg Male Chorus seeks to share music with audiences who may no longer have many opportunities to experience live performance. Familiar songs can evoke memories, spark smiles, and create moments of connection that remind us all the power music holds.
As we prepare to begin another season this September, the Winnipeg Male Chorus invites new singers to come and try out a rehearsal at no cost. We meet Tuesday evenings at 800 Point Road in Winnipeg starting September 1st under the direction of renowned conductor Jeremy Vallance. Check out WinnipegMaleChorus.ca or email wpg.male.chorus.info@gmail.com for more information.
No formal training is required—only enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to join others in making music.
Because at its heart, singing has never really been about individual voices. It has always been about bringing people together. And some things, after all, are simply better when shared.
Songs sung better together.
To find out more go to WinnipegMaleChorus.ca