VRO Freestyle offers relaxed environment, opportunity to perform with Oxford Winds

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Two local musical ensembles will come together to celebrate a milestone anniversary for one and launch a new program with the other.

Vocal Rhythm Oxford’s newest program for adults, VRO Freestyle, will offer a low-pressure singing environment for its participants. Singers can keep the music in their hands as they perform with Oxford Winds, and there are no auditions or choreography involved.

"This opportunity will allow Vocal Rhythm and Oxford Winds to sing and play together and what this means for Vocal Rhythm as an opportunity is it gives us a chance now to allow performers to come forward and sing in an environment that is a little bit lower-stakes but allows us to focus on the fun side of things a little bit more,” said Mike Crabbe, program director for Vocal Rhythm Oxford.

The partnership will be the first time Oxford Winds and Vocal Rhythm Oxford will be working together. Oxford Winds is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and reached out to Vocal Rhythm Oxford to collaborate for their fall concert.

"Personally, I've seen the Oxford Winds over the past few years, and they've always quite inspired me when I've heard their outdoor concerts where they're playing music from some of my favourite movies, really well-known songs, and they do it beautifully,” explained Crabbe.

“I've always had an opportunity to admire them, so for them to reach out and invite us to partner on something like this has been a really exciting treat, and I think what they bring to the table is something we're not going to be able to find anywhere else here in Woodstock."

There will be a concert featuring Vocal Rhythm Oxford and Oxford Winds on Nov. 27 at Knox Presbyterian Church in Woodstock. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds from the show will support Oxford Winds and its programming.

“Featuring a local choir with our band was a beloved tradition we held in past years, and we are looking forward to bringing this back to our community this year, during our 30th season,” said Stephanie Riehl, Music Director of Oxford Winds.

“There is something special about playing and singing music together during the holiday season, and we know this will be a very memorable musical event for the musicians, singers, and audience members this year.”

Rehearsals for VRO Freestyle begin in September on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and registration costs $125 per person. To sign up online, visit https://vocalrhythm.ca.