The Big Rock Singers' 30th-anniversary celebrations ground to a halt in March when the pandemic hit in full force.

Gatherings were no longer permitted, and public singing performances were prohibited soon after.

Even with those massive roadblocks threatening their pastime, the signers weren't about to let that stop them.

Over the next six months, Music and Artistic Director Carey Gruber set about learning to conduct via video and configuring a way in which the group could continue sharing their passion with the community.

Starting in September, the group began meeting for rehearsals every Wednesday over Zoom, and with registration numbers as high as ever, there was no shortage of participants.

Gruber says it seems to have acted as a reprieve from the anxiety and uncertainty the year has brought.

"For those of us who are musicians and singers, having that still be a part of our lives is so incredibly important at this time. I'm really glad we were able to do it, to stick with it."

The group has since pivoted to focus on video production rather than their usual live performances.

They were able to contribute to this year's Remembrance Day proceedings with a musical performance of the iconic poem "In Flanders Fields." Members filmed a lip-sync of the song at the cenotaph, later recording the audio at the Okotoks United Church and editing the two together.

Gruber says she expects their work during this time will serve as somewhat of a historical document.

"It's a legacy of this unusual time, and a real testament to the resilience of our group and the commitment to each other, that we still wanted to be together."

With Christmas drawing near, she says the best is yet to come.

Among the group's works in progress are three videos to be released in December, including a cover of the Pentatonix version of "White Winter Hymnal," complete with body percussion.

Gruber says it's amazing to see each individual member's recording pieced together to create a full song.

"We're really excited to see how the individual contributions made in-house by all of our singers, young and old, tech-savvy and not so tech-savvy, are going to contribute to this amazing final product."

She continues, "Even for myself, directing with my back facing my phone video and my front facing a green screen conducting a curtain, not a group of people... it's incredible to think that it's going to end up being this magical video experience, but I'm confident it will be."

There's no slowing down for the Big Rock Singers, with Gruber preparing plans for their Spring season, with hopes to return to live outdoor performances in May/June.

Registration for Spring will be opening within the next few weeks.

You can keep up with the Big Rock Singers on their website, Facebook page, or YouTube channel.

 

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