Alchemana (Community Choir)
Spiritual ALCHEMY is the metaphorical application of alchemical principles to personal transformation and spiritual growth. It's a path of inner refinement and self-discovery,
aiming to transmute negative qualities into positive ones, and ultimately,
to realize one's full potential and spiritual enlightenment.
MANA is the power of the elemental forces of nature embodied in an object or person.
aiming to transmute negative qualities into positive ones, and ultimately,
to realize one's full potential and spiritual enlightenment.
MANA is the power of the elemental forces of nature embodied in an object or person.
QLP is proud to present it's very first community choir and will act as lead administrators for this offering.
If you would like to express interest in participating in ALCHEMANA, have any questions or require further info after reading our info sheet below, please send us an email to: [email protected]
If you would like to express interest in participating in ALCHEMANA, have any questions or require further info after reading our info sheet below, please send us an email to: [email protected]
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Jessaii
Jessaii holds a Bachelor of Music Education in Voice from the University of Regina in 2001 and trained in a 5 year classical music/opera training program which included training in conducting both Concert Choir and Orchestra. She holds her Level 3 Artist Mentorship Training Certification (Learning Through The Arts) with the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and her Grade 5 RCM Piano. She was a performer with and the Director of the Sask Express Musical Theatre Studio as well as Co-Founder/Director of two children and youth touring performance groups, the Mini Express + Expressions. Jessaii has worked throughout Western and Northern Canada, managing multiple artist provincial workshop tours in Saskatchewan with the Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society, was Music Director/Choreographer for the the Positive Choices Tour with the Youth Association of Watson Lake in the Yukon and has worked with many organizations as a lead performing arts instructor, including Arts Umbrella, Stage Right Productions, Regina Little Theatre, Opera Saskatchewan, UBC's Take To The Stage, KidSafe and the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. She has been a music teacher with the Burnaby School District since 2016. Her formal training helped her to incorporate Laban as well as the Alexander Technique and aspects of Yoga into her practice as an artist and coach. This was key in developing a strong base of technique which lends to longevity of the voice, singing free from strain + pain, understanding the vocal mechanism, development of consistent breath support, ability to seamlessly move between registers, utilization resonating chambers to produce a clear tone and overall control the voice with precision and accuracy, free from tension and overcoming fear and self doubt. Her technical training has allowed her to sing/coach in any genre from beginner to advanced levels and to help her clients evolve their own singing and artistry including confidence in overall technical control, development of healthy habits, being able to separate life stress from the rehearsal/performance space, stepping further into vulnerability.
Jessaii is excited to make her BC debut as a choir director and looks forward to the journey...
For more about Jessaii as a voice coach, including testimonials from past clients click HERE.
Jessaii holds a Bachelor of Music Education in Voice from the University of Regina in 2001 and trained in a 5 year classical music/opera training program which included training in conducting both Concert Choir and Orchestra. She holds her Level 3 Artist Mentorship Training Certification (Learning Through The Arts) with the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and her Grade 5 RCM Piano. She was a performer with and the Director of the Sask Express Musical Theatre Studio as well as Co-Founder/Director of two children and youth touring performance groups, the Mini Express + Expressions. Jessaii has worked throughout Western and Northern Canada, managing multiple artist provincial workshop tours in Saskatchewan with the Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society, was Music Director/Choreographer for the the Positive Choices Tour with the Youth Association of Watson Lake in the Yukon and has worked with many organizations as a lead performing arts instructor, including Arts Umbrella, Stage Right Productions, Regina Little Theatre, Opera Saskatchewan, UBC's Take To The Stage, KidSafe and the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. She has been a music teacher with the Burnaby School District since 2016. Her formal training helped her to incorporate Laban as well as the Alexander Technique and aspects of Yoga into her practice as an artist and coach. This was key in developing a strong base of technique which lends to longevity of the voice, singing free from strain + pain, understanding the vocal mechanism, development of consistent breath support, ability to seamlessly move between registers, utilization resonating chambers to produce a clear tone and overall control the voice with precision and accuracy, free from tension and overcoming fear and self doubt. Her technical training has allowed her to sing/coach in any genre from beginner to advanced levels and to help her clients evolve their own singing and artistry including confidence in overall technical control, development of healthy habits, being able to separate life stress from the rehearsal/performance space, stepping further into vulnerability.
Jessaii is excited to make her BC debut as a choir director and looks forward to the journey...
For more about Jessaii as a voice coach, including testimonials from past clients click HERE.
A LITTLE HISTORY...
Alchemana is a name that was initially utilized for a past project that fell out of alignment and is now being reclaimed! The purpose of this choir is to bring people together to sing in community while developing technical vocal skills, confidence and to contribute to transforming spaces into places of "togetherness", safety, expression, and love. In a choir like setting, participants will sing, chant, move and shift negative energy into positive energy, raising the vibration of the space in which they are singing. Though it is intended to be "spiritual" this is not connected to religion, but rather our collective soul experiences; being human, and culminating in the joining of voices to share and enrich ourselves and those who witness our performances. It is a space, as well, for us to sing through grief, celebration, anger, fear, joy and stress.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Alchemana is open to all singers. We are inclusive and welcome people of all genders, abilities, culture backgrounds and ages 18+ to participate.
WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING?
We will be opening our doors in January 2026 to vocalists interested in singing in a choir like setting.
WHERE WILL REHEARSALS BE LOCATED?
We are in the process of securing the perfect rehearsal space and will update this page will all necessary information. We are hoping to find an accessible space in Burnaby Heights close to bus line.
WHAT DO REHEARSALS LOOK LIKE + FEEL LIKE?
We offer a neuroaffirmative, trauma informed learning environment that celebrates and encourages self care, expression of needs and flexibility. It is vital that our rehearsals are seen as and feel like safe, inclusive spaces where we show up in a good way, holding space for one another to leave our worries at the door for a couple of hours, share in the joy of singing and show up, allowing ourselves to be fully present. Each rehearsal will begin with grounding and embodiment exercises, technical warm ups and finally working on the material selected for that season. There will be a maximum of 20 participants in the choir and a minimum of 10 for it to run.
DO I HAVE TO BE A TRAINED VOCALIST TO PARTICIPATE?
You do not have to be a trained or professional vocalist but it does help to be able to carry a melody, sing on pitch, have a sense of beat/rhythm and feel comfortable moving a little bit. You will need to be willing to work with other vocalists including blending, harmonizing, memorizing material and, if you are ready, potentially singing solos.
IS THERE AN AUDITION PROCESS?
YES! To participate in this group you will need to go through a simple audition process so that we know if you are ready or require some vocal coaching first. This choir will have opportunities to perform in the community. We are starting small; the path will present itself organically. We are also looking for participants who feel ready to commit to a rehearsal schedule, willing to put in some work at home, come to rehearsals prepared and are interested in performing from time to time within the community.
Our very first round of auditions will be taking place in November and will be required by all those interested regardless of experience as it is also an opportunity for Jessaii to connect with each person and ask some questions, listen to vocal tone, get to know individual personalities and discuss any accommodations/needs that may be vital for participation. Audition materials will be available on this page in September.
WILL THERE BE REHEARSALS?
Yes. Each season will require a bi-weekly commitment of 2 hours and there will be an expectation to rehearse your parts on your own as well as come to rehearsal prepared. All materials will be provided online for ease of practice.
WHEN WILL EACH SEASON TAKE PLACE?
Each season will run over the course of the following, beginning in 2026:
SPRING/SUMMER (first 2 weeks of March/April/May/ early June Dress Rehearsal/Concert)
FALL/WINTER (Oct/Nov/Jan/ early Feb Dress Rehearsal/Concert)
Rehearsals will be a set day/time during the week. TBA
Concert location TBA
NOTE: We are not planning on July/Aug as it's a very busy time for our Director who is a music artist and will likely be quite busy performing her own concerts.
WHAT KIND OF REPERTOIRE WILL THE CHOIR BE WORKING ON?
There will be a variety of songs that may include cover material by known artists/groups but also original material by the choir director and may be open to songs written by the choir members themselves. Songs may be sung a cappella, to accompaniment (piano, guitar, hand drums, full band, etc) or may be sung to tracks. Some artists/groups that we love include Beautiful Chorus, Stevie Wonder, Eva Cassidy, India Arie, Corrinne Bailey Rae, Joni Mitchell and more!
IS THERE A FEE?
At this time the "fee" will be a "pay what you can" at each rehearsal rather than a lump sum at the beginning. This is to help cover costs for administration including Director fees, rehearsal space, marketing and photocopying. The suggested donation per rehearsal is $10. We are trying this approach in an attempt to remove financial barriers while still recovering expenses and providing professional leadership.
WHAT KINDS OF PERFORMANCES WILL THE CHOIR BE DOING?
Again, we are starting slowly.... Each season will guarantee at least one concert for friends and family and will be open to the general community. Each concert will showcase the material focused on in that season and may last for 30-60 minutes in length, depending on that season. As we build this choir, there will certainly be further performance opportunities including community stages through the city of Burnaby (and potentially surrounding cities), parks, community festivals/events and perhaps schools. Some of these opportunities may not build until the 2nd year of operation but you just never know.
Alchemana is a name that was initially utilized for a past project that fell out of alignment and is now being reclaimed! The purpose of this choir is to bring people together to sing in community while developing technical vocal skills, confidence and to contribute to transforming spaces into places of "togetherness", safety, expression, and love. In a choir like setting, participants will sing, chant, move and shift negative energy into positive energy, raising the vibration of the space in which they are singing. Though it is intended to be "spiritual" this is not connected to religion, but rather our collective soul experiences; being human, and culminating in the joining of voices to share and enrich ourselves and those who witness our performances. It is a space, as well, for us to sing through grief, celebration, anger, fear, joy and stress.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Alchemana is open to all singers. We are inclusive and welcome people of all genders, abilities, culture backgrounds and ages 18+ to participate.
WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING?
We will be opening our doors in January 2026 to vocalists interested in singing in a choir like setting.
WHERE WILL REHEARSALS BE LOCATED?
We are in the process of securing the perfect rehearsal space and will update this page will all necessary information. We are hoping to find an accessible space in Burnaby Heights close to bus line.
WHAT DO REHEARSALS LOOK LIKE + FEEL LIKE?
We offer a neuroaffirmative, trauma informed learning environment that celebrates and encourages self care, expression of needs and flexibility. It is vital that our rehearsals are seen as and feel like safe, inclusive spaces where we show up in a good way, holding space for one another to leave our worries at the door for a couple of hours, share in the joy of singing and show up, allowing ourselves to be fully present. Each rehearsal will begin with grounding and embodiment exercises, technical warm ups and finally working on the material selected for that season. There will be a maximum of 20 participants in the choir and a minimum of 10 for it to run.
DO I HAVE TO BE A TRAINED VOCALIST TO PARTICIPATE?
You do not have to be a trained or professional vocalist but it does help to be able to carry a melody, sing on pitch, have a sense of beat/rhythm and feel comfortable moving a little bit. You will need to be willing to work with other vocalists including blending, harmonizing, memorizing material and, if you are ready, potentially singing solos.
IS THERE AN AUDITION PROCESS?
YES! To participate in this group you will need to go through a simple audition process so that we know if you are ready or require some vocal coaching first. This choir will have opportunities to perform in the community. We are starting small; the path will present itself organically. We are also looking for participants who feel ready to commit to a rehearsal schedule, willing to put in some work at home, come to rehearsals prepared and are interested in performing from time to time within the community.
Our very first round of auditions will be taking place in November and will be required by all those interested regardless of experience as it is also an opportunity for Jessaii to connect with each person and ask some questions, listen to vocal tone, get to know individual personalities and discuss any accommodations/needs that may be vital for participation. Audition materials will be available on this page in September.
WILL THERE BE REHEARSALS?
Yes. Each season will require a bi-weekly commitment of 2 hours and there will be an expectation to rehearse your parts on your own as well as come to rehearsal prepared. All materials will be provided online for ease of practice.
WHEN WILL EACH SEASON TAKE PLACE?
Each season will run over the course of the following, beginning in 2026:
SPRING/SUMMER (first 2 weeks of March/April/May/ early June Dress Rehearsal/Concert)
FALL/WINTER (Oct/Nov/Jan/ early Feb Dress Rehearsal/Concert)
Rehearsals will be a set day/time during the week. TBA
Concert location TBA
NOTE: We are not planning on July/Aug as it's a very busy time for our Director who is a music artist and will likely be quite busy performing her own concerts.
WHAT KIND OF REPERTOIRE WILL THE CHOIR BE WORKING ON?
There will be a variety of songs that may include cover material by known artists/groups but also original material by the choir director and may be open to songs written by the choir members themselves. Songs may be sung a cappella, to accompaniment (piano, guitar, hand drums, full band, etc) or may be sung to tracks. Some artists/groups that we love include Beautiful Chorus, Stevie Wonder, Eva Cassidy, India Arie, Corrinne Bailey Rae, Joni Mitchell and more!
IS THERE A FEE?
At this time the "fee" will be a "pay what you can" at each rehearsal rather than a lump sum at the beginning. This is to help cover costs for administration including Director fees, rehearsal space, marketing and photocopying. The suggested donation per rehearsal is $10. We are trying this approach in an attempt to remove financial barriers while still recovering expenses and providing professional leadership.
WHAT KINDS OF PERFORMANCES WILL THE CHOIR BE DOING?
Again, we are starting slowly.... Each season will guarantee at least one concert for friends and family and will be open to the general community. Each concert will showcase the material focused on in that season and may last for 30-60 minutes in length, depending on that season. As we build this choir, there will certainly be further performance opportunities including community stages through the city of Burnaby (and potentially surrounding cities), parks, community festivals/events and perhaps schools. Some of these opportunities may not build until the 2nd year of operation but you just never know.
