Site Record

Metadata

Site Name

Chantry Singers

Site#

313

Description

The Chantry Singers community choir was founded in 1974, Port Elgin's Centennial year, and continues to thrive. Clarissa MacKay, a long time resident, and member of the Centennial Committee, had a dream of having a community choir for anyone in the area who loved singing. She approached Jeanette Steeves, a well-respected musician and teacher to serve as its director, and the Port Elgin Centennial Choir was created.

Following six weeks of rehearsals, the group captivated a crowd of more than 200 people on May 11, 1974 with a concert consisting of traditional and folk tunes, selections from Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as Rogers and Hammerstein. The group had been formed to perform this one concert; however, the singers had such a good time that they decided to stay together. In 1975, the choir voted to change its name to Port Elgin Centennial Singers.

Port Elgin Centennial Singers continued to flourish under Steeve's expert leadership as director for 10 years. She retired as director in 1984 and over the next several years, the choir had Bert Hood, Jean Stickings, Anne Fleming (Little), Jackie Hawley, and Rachel Schwartzel as very capable leaders. The role of musical accompanist has seen such talented people as Jean Stickings, Anne Hanz, Anne Fleming (Little), Diane Eaton, Lorilee Nelson, Marian Pedwell, Joan Myers, and Adrian Little. In 1996, the choir was thrilled to have Anne (Fleming) Little return to the podium and she continues to direct the chorus as of 2017.

In the wake of the amalgamation of Port Elgin, Southampton and surrounding townships into the Town of Saugeen Shores, another name change was required for the Port Elgin Centennial Singers. In 2001, the name Chantry Singers was selected. The choir's attire has changed over the decades, too. The original ladies' outfits were white blouses, black skirts and Bruce County tartan sashes and the men wore tartan ties. The ensembles have changed three more times in order to reflect fashion trends.

The Chantry Singers perform two major concerts a year, one during the Christmas season and one in the spring. There have been additional participation in other concerts and events that support local fund-raisers for various individuals and groups. Often, instrumental groups such as the Port Elgin Community Band or choirs such as the Allegro Youth Chorus are invited to participate in these concerts.

The choir has participated numerous times at music festivals in Owen Sound and Walkerton and has consistently been awarded top marks and scholarships. Chantry Singers won silver in 2012 at the provincial level. In 2016, the choir received gold at the Owen Sound Kiwanis Music Festival and the Walkerton Rotary Festival.

Although Chantry Singers performs mainly in Saugeen Shores, the choir has also held concerts in Cambridge, Chesley, Huntsville, Kincardine, London, Meaford, Paisley, Walkerton, Waterloo, and Wiarton. In 2008, the choir had the honour of representing the province of Ontario at "Unisong" in Ottawa. Chantry Singers will be one of four choirs from Ontario who will participate in "Unisong 2017" on Canada Day in Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. Chantry Singers have also travelled and performed in Littlehampton, England and various venues in May and June of 2015. The choir had previously hosted the Edward James Choir from Littlehampton in 2013.

In keeping with the sense of giving back to the community, Chantry Singers have performed at a number of annual events. Such community events are: Canada Day celebrations in Southampton; Pumpkinfest opening ceremonies; the tree-lighting ceremonies in Southampton, and the Saugeen Hospital's Light the Way campaign; singing for Seniors at local retirement and care centres; and participating in the Service of Lessons and Carols at the Southampton United Church.

Chantry Singers has also donated funds to charitable organizations and community projects including music scholarships for students, donations to the Womens' House serving Bruce and Grey, Southampton Figure Skating Club, PRANCE, Southampton Summer Music, Kincardine Summer Music, Port Elgin Community Band trips, Port Elgin United Church grand piano fund, as well as the Saugeen Memorial Hospital MRI fund and x-ray replacement.