Choir camp for adults an uplifting experience

St. Vital

Singing is not only good for the soul, it’s good for overall health, too.

In her 2024 article, “9 Reasons Why Singing With Others Makes Us Healthier and Happier,” Dr. Arla Good, co-director and chief researcher of an international research project, shares an extensive list of why singing might be helpful to our health.

Among the benefits Good includes, she states that singing improves mood, reduces stress, promotes psychological well-being, stimulates the brain, reduces loneliness, and fosters a healthy body.

In Winnipeg, there’s a summer singing camp for adults that strives to help participants experience all of that.

The third annual Earthsong: Singing for Connection, will take place from July 13 to 17 at the United Church in Meadowood (1111 Dakota St.), from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The week filled with singing will have participants lifting their voices and connecting with each other and the earth. Other activities will include guided nature walks, discussion groups, music appreciation and percussion, movement exercises and more. While the focus is on singing, the camp offers opportunities for learning, fostering personal growth, and appreciation for nature and ecology.

At the centre of Earthsong is Jeremy Vallance and his love of music. The choir director and music teacher has been steeped in all things musical ever since he can remember. Building community, creating connections, and helping people overcome their inhibitions to discovering the joys of self-expression are at the heart of all of his projects.

Vallance is renowned for his humour, high energy and enthusiasm, and his passion for making music accessible, inclusive and fun. In Winnipeg, Vancouver, B.C.. and Ottawa, Ont., he has led community choirs, including Margaret’s Choir (formerly Spirits Call Choir), drop-in singing events, music retreats, tours, workshops and camps, and has worked as an entrepreneur with his own music school.

“It’s rewarding. I love the people that come to it. There’s nothing better than lifting people up,” he said, about the upcoming singing camp, in which participants learn songs and are taught singing techniques.

“Music gives you a voice. So many people are shut down for one reason or another. Music is supposed to lift people up, not be exclusive, not be afraid,” Vallance added. “It brings them joy. You hear, ‘Wow, that was the best concert!’ It’s very beneficial. There’s a deep yearning for music. My experience is people tell me this is the highlight of their week.”

The first two Earthsong camps were highly successful, with 45 participants the first year and nearly that the second year. Registration is open to anyone 16 and over.

Vallance said he tries to include an eclectic mix of songs. Previous years in the weeklong singing camp have included everything from British comedy duo Morecambe & Wise’s version of Bring Me Sunshine, to Michael Jackson’s chart-topping hit Earthsong, to various African chants.

“Largely, we sing in a circle, listening to each other,” Vallance explained. “I’ll sing a line, you sing a line, all the way to a four-part harmony. It’s absolutely fun. It’s about bringing people together,” he said, and added that anyone can learn to sing, even those who have been called tone deaf or might have trouble finding pitch.

“It’s just a matter of practice. We promote this as a safe place, where you don’t feel judged. It’s a place to explore your voice, learn to sing and have fun doing it.”

And though Earthsong is hosted by and held in a church, Vallance says it’s not a church event.

“There is no preaching, it’s more spiritual than religious. It is open for anybody from any background, whether you feel you can sing or not.”

Cost for the program is $350. Visit for more information ucim.org/earthsong