Fonds 152 - Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir Society fonds

Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir

The Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir was founded by Nancy Dyck in 1978. For over 30 years the choir has exemplified the best in choral tradition, discipline and dedication. The PMCC Society and its conductors are committed to training and motivating children to pursue musical excellence, thereby glorifying God and inspiring joy in the hearts of singers and listeners alike.

Nancy Dyck was PMCC’s founding Artistic Director and she served until 2003. Calvin Dyck was interim Artistic Director for the 2003-2004 concert season. Choreography and Visual/Speech Arts were added in recent years under the direction of Sylvia Friesen.

Choir members have been excellent musical ambassadors for their city, province and country through the years. Some highlights include representing Canada in Austria (1986) and Korea (1992), the 12th Mennonite World Conference in Winnipeg (!990), in Disneyland and the Crystal Cathedral in California as well as in Carnegie Hall in New York City. They have participated in performances in concerts with Winnipeg Mennonite Children’s Choir, the Cantare singers, the BC Boys Choir and others.

Kimberly and Wes Janzen became Artistic Directors of PMCC in 2004. Under their direction, the choir’s focus was on musical excellence, faith affirmation, and service to the community. In 2004 and 2005, PMCC sang on national television for the Canuck Place tree lighting and founders events. The choir performed “Rutter’s Mass for the Children” at Carnegie Hall and sang at the first and second annual “ Christmas at the Chan Centre” programs. In April 2006 PMCC won gold at the Riva del Garda International Choir competition. More recent trips include Kiev, Ukraine in 2008, Victoria, BC in 2009 and Seattle in 2010.

In 2010 leadership was passed on to sisters Sonja Hindmarsh and Carmen Fast, the first directors of the choir who are alumni members. After completing their own music studies they have returned to direct the choir that holds treasured memories and the promise of an exciting future.

Sources: Adapted from “Thirty Years and Counting” a history found in the Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir’s website.