My Story in Show Songs

By Jeanne Wegner  

My experience with the Canadian Showtime Chorus began last September, when a little bird in our campground came to me and said, “Jeanne, I know that you love singing, especially singing in different harmonies. “Shirley”, you would be interested in participating in our 6 week membership drive in January, for our ladies’ barbershop, a cappella chorus.” Well, this announcement definitely peaked my interest. I thought to myself, “Hmm, I’ll have to look into this…” 

After a busy fall, I contacted the chorus on-line and was informed of the first rehearsal taking place in the New Year on January 9th. I showed up and was pleasantly surprised by all the red in the room and even more importantly, the absolutely fun, positive and uplifting environment I had walked into. Seeing all the women smiling and expressing themselves as they sang made me think, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman! ” 

At first, I was a bit apprehensive about preparing for the audition. I mean, all the songs and persistent vocal training were quite new to me and I thought, “Man, I’ll need a “Good Luck Charm” to succeed in this audition!” “Nevertheless”, I was encouraged by 50 or more good luck charms here in this chorus, who continued to champion me, routing for me all the way. 

So, week by week, I began to learn the music, the featured audition piece being, “Almost Like Being in Love”. I felt somewhat overwhelmed by all the music I had to learn but every Tuesday evening, I left the rehearsal, feeling like I wanted to continue singing just, “One more song”. As well, I truly developed a liking for the old songs sung in barbershop style – the “Wham, Bam, Alalkazam” of “Orange Colored Sky”, the tender melody and meaningful lyrics in Billy Joel’s, “Lullaby” and the heart-wrenching, yet real and relatable message of lost love in, “Young and Foolish”. 

As I was approaching the audition date, other surprises began to emerge as well. I was given a bright red jean-jacket and 2 show costumes by our very own, “Sweet Caroline”. I then joined the chorus to sing our national anthem, “O Canada!” at TD Place in March, for a National Canadian soccer game. Man that rocked! I got to talk to women in our chorus I hadn’t yet met – and there are a lot of you to meet! And, in my opinion, we gave a great performance!  Sounded like real pros! I thought to myself, ‘Man, in a group like this, we can, “Change the World” with our music! 

Well, the audition date finally arrived in late February. I had practiced “Almost Like Being in Love” so much that was actually starting to sing it in my sleep! I had practiced the choreography too but my skills continue to be in development in that area. The audition turned out to be quite fun, singing with a singer from the other 3 parts. After singing it 3 times, I was told, “You made it! Welcome to the Showtime Chorus!” “Halleluia!” I shouted and I ran around the room giving every lady there a high-five. 

I can now say without exaggerating that there is no more “Lazy Day” since I’ve joined the chorus - new songs to learn, new vocal techniques to master and shows to prepare for. I truly enjoyed singing at the open-house at the NCAC in June, especially before a very enthusiastically clapping fan in the front row. I eventually got caught in an onslaught of rain on the way home but all I can say is, “It was worth the trip!” 

My husband and I are going to be travelling to Manitoba in September and I can’t wait to “Tell my Ma When I Get Home” about my experiences in the Canadian Showtime Chorus so far. I’m gonna tell her, “Hey mom! Look at me now!” I sing tenor in an amazing singing group and I’m making new friendships with wonderful ladies that I proudly call, “My singing sisters”. Wow! “Can you feel the love tonight?” 

I look forward to the season ahead, preparing for our chorus’ 40th anniversary show in November, learning our Christmas “Carol Medley” and going to competition next May. The best part being that I will continue to journey with this wonderful, musical family as we continue to do what we do best. We’ll just keep on singing to make the whole world blessed. 

To the many adventures ahead!