Imagine an enthusiastic choir on stage.
Some are singing, others just sway — all are filled with the joy of song and belonging.
VOJ Voices of Joy, a choir that welcomes people of all abilities, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this weekend.
About 60 per cent of its members are people with special needs and the rest are support.
“There’s a lot of energy when we do a concert. Our special-needs people are just so excited when they get a standing ovation, and there are often tears in the audience’s eyes,” said Leni Vander Kooij, one of the original VOJ members.
“I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved. I’m so thankful and happy they are part of the community. We went through eons of people being marginalized. To see them valued for who they are is so important — and we have fun.”
Vander Kooij joined the choir with her husband, Peter, and special-needs daughter, Gwen, when it began in 1998.
Its founder, the late Linda Middlebrook, who was a music teacher, started with a small group of people from the Newmarket and Bradford West Gwillimbury area.
“We began to sing for the joy of singing. Slowly, and some of the people couldn’t sing well. She brought us to a concert choir (level),” Vander Kooij said.
Since then, the choir has grown to about 60 members from all around York-Simcoe, who have performed at many concerts, on live TV, and at the opening of the Ontario legislature. They have also sang the national anthems at a Toronto Blue Jays game.
“It’s obviously a testament to (Middlebrook’s) vision” that the choir has flourished over the years, Vander Kooij said.
Added Peter Vander Kooij: “It’s a victory.”
Before the performance at the provincial legislature, Peter said he saw then-Premier Ernie Eves walking by and asked him to come meet all the singers, which was a thrill for the group.
VOJ is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special concert on June 10 at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Newmarket, where it rehearses every Monday evening.
The choir is not a religious group, so members do not have to be spiritual, said Leni Vander Kooij.
Led by conductor Dr. Richard Heinzle and accompanist Janice Stem, VOJ will perform a selection of songs, such as Edelweiss, When I’m 64, When You’re Smiling, and their signature tune, Best Friends. They will also perform Canada You Are My Home, an original song by past VOJ choir director David Holborn.
In the past, the choir has also tried to raise money for voice lessons for some of its members, said Leni Vander Kooij, but beyond singing, there are many benefits to the choir.
“They’ve developed friendships with people in the community, and some have found employment from it. We’ve had a lot of support from the community,” she said, adding sponsors have kept the group going.
“Every concert is exciting. We want to enjoy the singing when we’re together,” said Peter Vander Kooij.
“When you sing at a concert, there’s enthusiasm, delight and pride of accomplishment. How often can you get a group of handicap people and helpers together and get applause? That’s pretty special.”
Want to go to the concert?
WHAT: VOJ Voices of Joy 20th anniversary concert
WHERE: Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 333 Davis Dr., Newmarket
WHEN: June 10, 3 p.m.
COST: $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Children under 12 are free
GET TICKETS: Call Jo-anne at 905-727-3290 or Janet at 905-775-8821
Want to join the choir?
Show up to a rehearsal, every Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Bethel Christian Reformed Church at 333 Davis Dr. in Newmarket. There is a $10 annual membership fee. No one has to audition to join.
