CONNECTIONS SERIES

The PODIUM 2026 National Committee invites applications from singing groups within the Victoria area to participate in an exciting music sharing and learning opportunity! The Connections Series aims to be a space for learning about the many forms of community-based group singing in the Victoria area through sharing together, rather than performing.

We understand "group singing" to encompass the many and varied ways that people choose to gather to sing together, including but not limited to choirs, improvisational practices, popular and/or culturally-specific vocal genres, and groups that sing for reasons related to community-building, therapy, advocacy, and cultural expression and transmission.

We particularly welcome applications from local groups that see their work as community-engaged, social impact-driven, and/or that represent a specific cultural or social community through either their music or their group membership. 

The Connections Series event will be an “open rehearsal” between three different groups on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. During the 2-hour session, groups and their leaders will introduce each other to what they do regularly in their rehearsals or meetings through, for example:

• teaching each other a piece or song;

• exploring ways of singing, rehearsing, moving, or performing that are important to their group; 

• having group leaders or members speak about their experiences with the group; and

• other ways of singing and sharing together.