About the Joy of Vox - Vocal Ensemble
Founded in the fall of 2012 by director BJ Harris, Joy of Vox (JOV) started out as 40 singers who all shared a desire to meet on a regular basis and have fun making music together. Now in its eighth season, the group has grown to over 200 members, ranging in age from 19 to 82. The group’s musicians include accompanist Katie Ormerod on piano, bassist Bruce Wilkinson, percussionist Arlan Kopp, and a few of the singers who generously lend their instrumental talents on some of the songs, including Siobhan Brennan on flute, and Gene Cummings on guitar.
The group rehearses on Thursday evenings from September to mid-December, concluding its fall term with Christmas concerts, Broadway Avenue caroling, and a wrap-up soirée. They then reconvene in February for their spring term, which goes until late May/early June, at which point the group concludes the season with its spring show, and another social get-together. Besides its public concerts, the group performs at a variety of charitable events, fundraisers, schools, and seniors’ residences.
JOV performs a diverse repertoire of popular music - songs that one would have heard on the radio back in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and right up to the current day. Musical highlights include songs by A-ha, Adele, Avicii, Bill Withers, Billy Joel, Brian Wilson, Dave Dudley, Eagles, Elton John, Eric Carmen, Fun, Genesis, Harry Belafonte, Holly Cole Trio, Jackie DeShannon, Jeffery Straker, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Kenny Chesney, Marc Cohn, Matisyahu, Neil Sedaka, Neil Young, Patsy Cline, Paul Davis, Pharrell Williams, Queen, Ray Charles, Regina Spektor, Robert Plant, Roger Miller, Ron Sexsmith, Sarah McLaughlin, Simon and Garfunkel, Steely Dan, Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Andrews Sisters, The Association, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Dream Academy, The Irish Rovers, The Mamas and the Papas, The Rankin Family, The Stray Cats, The Tragically Hip, Toto, U2, and many more.
Do you like to sing? JOV is always looking for additional bass, tenor, and baritone singers. Previous experience and the ability to read music are definitely assets, but not prerequisites for joining. If you are interested (or know someone who might be), please go here.
Our Musicians:
Katie Ormerod
Katie Ormerod is a professional piano teacher, accompanist, piano entertainer (Katie’s Keyboard Magic), djembe drumming instructor and composer. She was born and raised in Prince Albert, and has taught piano since completing her RCM Teacher’s ARCT Diploma in 1990. Katie began her piano entertaining business in 1998 when Katie’s Keyboard Magic (KKM) was born.
Katie completed formal classical training with Lorna Gibson (Prince Albert) and Sheila Shinkewski (Saskatoon), along with popular piano training with Sam Lomheim (Saskatoon). Katie has integrated a wealth of musical styles offering piano music played with intensity and passion for all occasions.
As a piano accompanist, Katie has regularly performed alongside musicians for local and provincial music festivals throughout her piano teaching career. As well as accompanying the Prince Albert Children’s Choir, Katie also had the privilege of accompanying esteemed soprano, Karen Zaidan (nee Zwartjes) performing various concerts across Saskatchewan, culminating in a classical CD entitled “Karen and Katie”.
Katie has also initiated, taught and studio recorded groups of djembe drummers, such as the Rabid Zebra Djembe Drummers (Prince Albert), and more recently, the Neon Djembe Drummers (Saskatoon). Her self-composed djembe drumming and percussion works were performed at local elementary schools and various events, including the main stage at Ness Creek.
In 2012, Katie moved to Saskatoon where she opened a piano and djembe drumming studio to resume her teaching career with students of various levels and all ages. She continues to provide piano entertainment in Saskatoon with regular performances in senior homes, and various other gigs including solo performances at The Bassment for ‘Piano Fridays.’
Katie is thrilled and honoured to be an integral member of the Joy of Vox choir, and looks forward to an exciting year, making music together in joy and spirited camaraderie!
Bruce Wilkinson
Bruce Wilkinson grew up on a family farm in southern Saskatchewan. After high school, he moved to Saskatoon where he completed his Bachelor of Applied Science (Electrical Engineering) while playing in a band to help pay the tuition. He is still playing bass and is involved in Saskatoon’s music scene, both as a musician and a sound technician.
Bruce has performed in musical theatre productions, big band jazz bands and numerous rock, pop and jazz groups. His days, evenings and weekends are filled with family and musical activities.