By Darren Eke
After establishing itself in the Centretown community over five years ago, Vox Femina choir conductor Marg Stubington is proving that singing is “not just for the glee club.”
“I think singing has had a bad rap,” says Stubington during a recent rehearsal break.
While she considers choral music to be as serious as other forms of music, Stubington believes there are still people who associate singing with the preppy, if not geeky, members of a glee club.
While forming Vox Femina in 1995, Stubington envisioned a group of women who came together to sing “quality music” — pieces containing complex song structures, including four-part acappella, in which there are vocals without accompaniment.
“Not your regular women’s folk music,” she says. “I try to go through music that’s in my basement.”
Stubington says she often includes suggestions and original songs created by choir members.
While Vox Femina originated in the lesbian community, the choir now includes both lesbian and straight women.
Their mandate states that Vox Femina celebrates the “diverse life experiences of all women.”
The 38 women in the current choir come from a “mish mash” of backgrounds, says Stubington.
Stubington says while the gay-friendly choir has feminist roots, the choir does not intentionally politicize through their music.
She says the choir works together to promote women within the group, something which can hopefully be passed on to their audience.
“The strength of women is what we are,” says Sue Farley, an original member of the group.
While there is an audition requirement to Vox Femina, “it’s not an elite choir,” says Farley.
In fact, the choir includes members with various levels of musical ability.
“(Members) have to be willing to sing and work,” says Farley. “There’s no room for divas.”
Stubington says members also perform other tasks for the choir, including production and promotion.
“It’s not just (about) music ability, it’s a commitment level,” says Stubington, adding that most members have busy lives outside of the choir.
Aside from rehearsing weekly, and giving annual spring and fall performances, members also attend vocal workshops and socialize outside of the choir setting, says Stubington.
Vox Femina is currently rehearsing for their upcoming fall performance, which will be showcased later this month, on Nov. 24.
Farley says being surrounded by confident singers can initially make the choir look intimidating, but the veteran member says Stubington provides a comfortable atmosphere.
Farley’s previous choir experiences involved a more traditional conductor-choir relationship, but she says Stubington has more of a “give and take” relationship with the choir.
“It’s cohesive, co-operative and okay to make mistakes,” Farley says.
Sue Thompson, who has been with Vox Femina for a little over a year, says she enjoys the challenging music Stubington gives the choir.
“I’ve really learned a lot about music and performing,” says Thompson. “(Stubington) is such a pro at what she does.”
Stubington says Vox Femina has given her more insight on conducting, communicating with the choir and simply just being “myself with the women.”
“I love it to bits,” says Stubington. “I feel very lucky to be doing this work.”