Harmony In The Making – The Arbutus Story

Established in 1998 by Jack Boomer, the Arbutus Singers has blossomed from a modest group of 15 singers to a flourishing choir of over 60 members. Our rehearsals are held regularly at the Wellesley of Victoria, providing a communal space where we come together to hone our skills and create music. As a versatile choir with 4 to 6 parts, we take pride in our diverse repertoire. This blend of genres ensures that our performances offer something for everyone. The Arbutus Singers are more than just a musical ensemble – we are a tight-knit diverse community united by our shared passion for music and commitment to spreading joy through our performances. Whether we are singing at local events, retirement homes, or community gatherings, our mission remains the same: to uplift spirits and create lasting memories through music.

Join Arbutus Singers!

We extend a warm invitation to new and returning members of all backgrounds and experience levels. All that is required is a love for music and a willingness to be part of something truly special.
Sing with us on the best night of the week—Wednesday! Our choir is all about having fun while tackling exciting and challenging music. We dive into contemporary, pop, jazz, show tunes, and well-loved classics. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just love to harmonize, there’s a spot for you! Come be part of the joy and energy that makes our choir the highlight of your week.
Press on the link below to make connections with us!

Contact

Director – Jack Boomer

Jack Boomer has been married to Stephen Hammond for nearly two decades. A visionary in the realm of public health, Jack owned a consulting firm focused on tobacco control and public health engagement. He ran the business for many years before transitioning into a semi-retired life. Jack continues to engage in select consulting projects to fuel his curiosity.However, it’s his role as the director of the Arbutus Singers that truly highlights his creative spirit. Jack curates rehearsals and performances, selecting musical pieces and guides up to sixty choir members. While he values input from choir members, his artistic vision and direction are unmistakable. When Jack takes a break or is away, the talented Sylvia James steps in to take the reins and lead the choir, ensuring the music keeps flowing. It’s this blend of leadership, passion, and collaboration that makes Jack’s world one filled with both purpose and appreciation.

Jack has a degree in music education from the University of Alberta and a Master’s of Public Administration from UVic.

He recently completed a course in composition for film and TV and hopes to spend his time working in this area.

Pianist -Robyn McKinnon

An accomplished performer, Robyn McKinnon has extensive experience both as a soloist and as a collaborative pianist for singers and instrumentalists across Canada. Since the summer of 2000, she has been a featured performer at The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, where her wide-ranging repertoire—spanning Classical, Jazz, and Pop—provides the perfect backdrop for Afternoon Tea.

Robyn’s career as a pianist was nurtured from an early age. Raised in a musical household, she followed in the footsteps of her grandfather, George Houslander, a respected pedagogue and conductor in the Toronto/Hamilton area. She went on to study Classical piano at the University of Ottawa under Andrew Tunis, further refining her artistry.

Over the years, Robyn has performed for weddings, receptions, and private functions at venues across the country, including the Laurel Point Inn, the Union Club, Royal Victoria Golf Club, the Fairmont Banff Springs, the Mary Winspear Centre, and the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

In addition to her work as a soloist, Robyn is an active accompanist and clinician in the greater Victoria area. She has collaborated with numerous choirs and soloists, and has been the accompanist for The Arbutus Singers since 2002. She also teaches piano at her home studio on the West Shore, where she lives with her husband, Graham, and their two children, Andrew and Lauren.

Supporting Music Education Through Performance!

All proceeds from our musical activities, after covering concert expenses, are donated to charitable causes. In 2006, we established the Arbutus Singers Music Education Society to support ChoirKids in the Greater Victoria area, which remains our primary charitable focus. In the last several years, Victoria Conservatory of Music has guided the ChoirKids program, and for our major ticketed concerts, we now raise funds in support of the Conservatory.

Over the years, we have raised more than $400,000 for a variety of charitable organizations, with a significant portion secured through grants in support of the ChoirKids Program. In the 2018/19 season alone, we contributed over $25,000 to charities throughout the Greater Victoria area.

Click the link below to support this meaningful program and help us continue making a difference through music.

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