COCHRANE - Ending their musical season with a rising crescendo, Cool Choir’s “Oh What a Night” Season-End Concert on June 23 helped raise $1,200 for the Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area.
Director for Cool Choir Cochrane Lee Ann DeCoteau said the event far exceeded the choir’s expectations.
“We were to capacity, we actually ran out of room on the pews and we had to pull every chair available in the church to accommodate out guests coming in to attend our concert,” DeCoteau said. “We were well over 200 people in attendance, which was rather startling to us, but just so reassuring that we had a place in this community.”
From first-time singers on stage to music-lovers in the audience, DeCoteau said the energy was off the charts at the concert.
“I think the overall effect was one of astonishment from both the audience and the [choir] members,” she said. “It sounded fantastic, and they were very reassured by their performance.”
With entry to the concert made in the form of donations, Cool Choir presented a $1,200 cheque to Helping Hands to formally end their year on a high note.
Although she can’t fully express her thoughts in words (or song), DeCoteau said the entire choir experience has been unbelievable.
“Here we are, a new community group ourself, and our community is still getting to know who we are and to be able to raise money to then turn over to another wonderful community group here is the essence of living in a community,” DeCoteau said. “Working together [and] supporting each other, I think that’s what this is all about.”
As they prepare for the next season, DeCoteau said the choir has plans to step away from Cool Choir in Calgary and become its own independent, non-profit choir in Cochrane.
Although she did not want to share details yet about the upcoming changes, she advised residents to stay tuned for new information regarding their musical debut this summer.
“So just a little bit of paperwork on our end, and I’ve got a great team of ladies, and we are so excited about what’s coming up for us in this community,” DeCoteau said.” So, look out, Cochrane!”
On behalf of Helping Hands, programs manager Melia Hayes thanked Cool Choir Cochrane for their donation.
“We just really feel like the community stepped up, not only to come, listen, and be at the choir’s year-end concert, but really stepped up to donate to Helping Hands, which is amazing,” Hayes said.
As an additional voice for Cool Choir, Hayes said it is an amazing experience that allows all members to engage with the community, and share their passion for singing.
“Helping Hands really wants to serve the community of Cochrane,” Hayes said. “We do it through a variety of programs, and we’re so thankful for the community to step up and be part of making a difference here in Cochrane.”
