Coastal Journey by Kelly Cannell, 2011

This September, the music department at Vancouver Community College (VCC) is pleased to introduce a new Indigenous singing group to its collection of talented ensembles.

VCC’s Indigenous Vocal Ensemble is open to singers of all levels and serves as an introduction to Indigenous music and Salish music forms. The ensemble will rehearse and perform a number of Indigenous songs utilizing voice and percussion.

The new group will be under the direction of Russell Wallace, a composer, producer and traditional singer from the Lil’wat Nation.

"Russell is a warm and knowledgeable instructor with years of experience facilitating music events, as well as being a solo artist who composes and performs his own music," says Laurence Mollerup, Department Leader, VCC Music and Dance. "We are really excited about this new direction."

Indigenous students and staff are also encouraged to take part in the group. Traditional songs along with original compositions will serve as the basis of the repertoire but collective improvisation will also be explored. Student arrangements and harmonies will be welcome.

VCC's Indigenous Vocal Ensemble will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays during the Fall 2021 term. The first rehearsal is on Tuesday, Sept. 7 and runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The ensemble's first concert is planned for Wednesday Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. in the VCC Auditorium (level 2, building A), with the Mount Pleasant Brass Ensemble.

For more information or to register for VCC's Indigenous Vocal Ensemble, contact music@vcc.ca.