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Heather Clyde and Shelley Friesen enjoy the comforts of the Eagle Sawatzky's Lounge
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The Central Manitoba Youth Choir (CMYC) is gearing up for a major celebration as it marks 40 years of fostering musical talent and community connections. This milestone will be celebrated with a full day of events on October 19th, culminating in an evening concert at Winkler's P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall. As excitement builds, the choir and its community are ready to reflect on four decades of harmony, friendships, and the lasting impact of music education.

A day of music and memories

The celebration will kick-off with a workshop led by two renowned musicians: Kristel Peters, a choral director from Steinbach, and Leanne Regehr Lee, an accomplished pianist who has played with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. The workshop is a key part of the choir’s tradition of collaboration and learning, bringing together current members and alumni for a day of musical enrichment.

"We are so excited for this," shared CMYC President Heather Clyde. "It’s not just a celebration of music—it’s a celebration of the memories and the relationships we’ve built over the past 40 years. This workshop will be an incredible opportunity for our students to learn from some of the best, and the concert will showcase everything we've worked on throughout the day."

The evening concert, open to the public, will showcase the choir’s talents, featuring music selected by Peters and Regehr Lee. While the specific pieces remain a closely guarded secret, attendees are promised a diverse and engaging program that highlights the choir’s rich musical heritage. "We can’t tell you exactly what we’ll be performing," Clyde teased, "but you’ll have to come to the concert to find out!"

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A legacy of community and connection

Founded in 1985, the CMYC has been an integral part of Central Manitoba’s cultural landscape. Over the past 40 years, it has grown into a beloved institution, providing young singers with an outlet for their talents and a supportive community. Shelly Friesen, a former choir member and board member, fondly remembers being part of the original choir in 1985.

"It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come," Friesen reflected. "Not only was I in the first choir, but both of my daughters joined years later. CMYC is something that stays with you—it’s not just about the music, it’s about the friendships and the sense of belonging."

One of the choir’s most cherished traditions is its rehearsal camps, where members spend weekends immersed in music. These camps, according to Clyde, are often a highlight for students. "They come back exhausted but elated," she shared. "It’s an intense experience, but the bonds they form and the skills they develop make it so worthwhile."

Supporting future generations of singers

Like many organizations, CMYC has faced financial challenges, especially in the wake of COVID-19. To ensure its future, the choir has established an endowment fund through the Pembina Manitou Area Foundation. This fund will help sustain CMYC for years to come, ensuring that it continues to provide opportunities for young singers in the region.

"We’ve made some adjustments this year to save money, but we’re in a much better place now," said Clyde. "We never turn anyone away because they can’t afford to join the choir, and we want to keep it that way. That’s why the support from our community is so important."

For those who want to contribute, there are several ways to get involved. Donations can be made through the www.endowmb.ca website, and attendees at the concert will also have the opportunity to donate.

Join the celebration

As CMYC prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, there’s no better time to reflect on the impact the choir has had on its members and the wider community. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to CMYC, the anniversary concert on October 19th is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of choral music.

Tickets for the event are free or by donation, but seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot by visiting www.cmyc40.ca. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celebration of music, community, and 40 years of memories!

 

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