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Belting out the tunes just got better

Chilliwack singer and vocal coach Lori Paul will be leading a workshop called ‘Everyone Can Sing’ on Sunday, May 31.
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Lori Paul and Rick Genge of Spiderlodge Studio perform. Paul will be leading a workshop on May 31

Here’s your chance to become a better singer.

Chilliwack singer and vocal coach Lori Paul will be leading a workshop called ‘Everyone Can Sing’ on Sunday, May 31.

It’s a one-hour group session with the Chilliwack musician, followed up with an hour of one-on-one vocal coaching at a later date in June.

It’s all about singing for the pure joy of it. The seminar experience is geared to increasing confidence, vocal range and volume.

Paul coaches singers for a living at the studio she owns with husband Rick Genge.

“As a young person, I sang in choirs at church and school, and I sang along with my Beatles and Joni Mitchell albums at home.”

From her first performance of ‘I’m a Little Teapot’ at the tender age of two, to the songs she sings daily to her pets, Paul makes a point of using her voice to enrich her life.

“And I believe everyone should,” she offers.

Those who might enjoy belting out a tune in the shower or from a karaoke stage may lack a little bit of self-confidence to actually pursue it with their whole heart.

“I would like to invite those people to join me on May 31st at Spiderlodge Studio, where, with other like-minded people, we’ll be talking about ways to improve the sound of our voices and enjoy singing everyday.”

The simple act of singing is known to enhance health and well-being.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say I believe everyone should sing every day.”

It’s free, requires no equipment and you can do it almost anywhere.

People use it to express themselves creatively or to blow off steam.

“It’s relaxing and rejuvenating. Whether you sound good to anyone else is irrelevant. Sing for your own satisfaction and you’ll benefit emotionally, in a meaningful way.”

In the group session, singers will learn to increase their volume and vocal range, find keys that suit them and correct “pitch drift.”

They’ll work on vocal tone and using breath support to get a more dynamic sound. All levels of experience are welcome, she said.

Singing is therapeutic.

“I’ve always known that music can heal, especially when we sing, because our vocal cords vibrate, when in use, and resonate throughout our body which simultaneously calms us and energizes us.”

The students of Spiderlodge Studio are performing their year-end recital the day before. Check out Paul’s work at the Spiderlodge Festival on May 30, 7 p.m. at UFV in Chilliwack. Doors at 6 p.m. and concert at 6:30 p.m.

Remember singing can be a mood booster, too.

“The very act of singing songs that you love, breathing deeply and belting out a tune, enhances your well-being, much the same way that exercise and meditation also will, with regular practice.

“It’s never too late to improve your voice; you can always find ways to be a better singer.”

To register for Everyone Can Sing, (Sunday, May 31, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Spiderlodge Studio on Yale Road east) Call 604-795-9523 for the seminar or festival tickets or go to www.loripaul.com.



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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