The new musical director of The Village Voices choir is ready to put her own stamp on the chorus group but Lonnie Moddle won’t be changing things up a lot.
Moddle is taking over from Rosemary Lindsay, an avid chorister, solo performer and voice teacher, who has lead the singing group since 2007.
The 60-voice group was founded in 1992 and for 22 years has been part of the choral community in Parksville-Qualicum Beach. Lindsay, who held her final performance with The Village Voices in April, is taking a leave of absence from the choir to direct the VIU College Singers.
Moddle said when the opportunity came up to fill Lindsay’s shoes she decided to go for it and try something different.
“I thought I would apply for the position and see what happens. I have been directing church choirs for over 30 years and have been a music specialist for 30-odd years. I know a lot of folks in the choir so I decided to sink my teeth into it and try a new direction in my conducting career,” she explained.
Moddle brings many years of experience to the group. She received her teaching certificate from SFU and a post-graduate diploma in Kodály Music Education from the University of Calgary.
She retired from 32 years of teaching, mostly as a music specialist in 2011. She has also been a church music director for over 30 years and recently returned from a 10-month cross-Canada tour with church musician Ron Klusmeier, directing 126 concerts.
Moddle said as the musical director, she looks forward to continuing the legacy left by Lindsay and performing the familiar songs audiences know and love but she would also like to have a go at some different music.
“Of course there will be new things. I will introduce some new pieces to the repertoire and there will be some things from the library. There will be a nice mix of genres in the repertoire including some slow pieces, quicker pieces, some old and some modern.”
Moddle said she likes to mix things up.
“That way it keeps the interest up for the folks who are singing it. We will be tackling a different range of music. It should be fun.”
The Village Voices will be sounding off starting with a workshop on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at St. Stephens United Church in Qualicum Beach.
Moddle said they will be reading through most of the music for the upcoming season and she is excited about meeting the newcomers and welcoming back the alumni.
The first practice of the fall/winter season is on Sept. 15 at the McMillan Arts Centre.
For more information visit www.thevillagevoices.ca