Humble Harmony*
Free your voice and harmonize in an inclusive, joyful community singing circle!
*formerly called “Sing Again community choir”
Sylvia is a proud member of the Ubuntu Choirs Network, which shares the core belief that singing together is a human birthright, and can change the world for the better.
The Community
We are a diverse group, from “beginners” just getting comfortable letting their voice be heard, to singers with decades of experience, who enjoy an informal group where they can break free from the written notes, and improvise with harmony.
This is a non-judgemental, safe and supportive space where all voices are welcome regardless of age or background.
Come join the circle, and enjoy a cup of ginger tea during the break!
Are you unsatisfied with singing alone in the car?
Do you miss singing in community (but not a formal choir)?
Would you rather learn to follow your ear than read music?
Share The Magic of Community Singing
Free your voice and creative expression in a fun and informal, non-performing group
Sing inspiring, uplifting and healing songs, world music, and songs of peace and hope.
Learn to harmonize by ear, and “wing it”. No experience necessary
Explore your range, move around the room and try different parts
Enjoy vocal play, songs with actions, and simple body percussion
Where?
Nanaimo - Two Options:
MONDAY AFTERNOONS: 2 - 3:30pm at St. Andrews United Church, 315 Fitzwilliam St. (in the hall, Wesley Street entrance)
TUESDAY EVENINGS: 7:00 - 8:30pm at Rotary House (850 Third St, accessed via Jingle Pot Road (across from Buttertubs marsh). What beautiful acoustics! (Dec. 2 the venue is not available; replaced by Dec. 9)
Parksville:
THURSDAYS: 3:30 - 5pm, McMillan Arts Centre, 133 McMillan Street, upper level (kitty corner to the SOS). The art gallery is ever-changing and the acoustics are divine!
When?
Our Late Fall 6-week series is now closed to registration. Join us at our Big Sing Dec. 13 where folks from my three groups will come together to sing the songs we’re learning - all are welcome to come and sing with us - listeners welcome too. I will also be offering some drop-in community singing workshops in January. Please check out my events page and join my newsletter to stay in the loop!
New Year Series: Feb. 9 - Mar. 19
Theme: Songs of Hope
Early Spring Series: Mar 30 - May 7
Theme: Earth and Water Songs
We start off each 6-week series with an OPEN HOUSE week as an opportunity to drop in! After that, for the remaining 5 weeks we are a “members only” committed group, to get to know the songs, build social cohesion, and create a rich and meaningful community singing experience.
To Register:
If you’d like to join us for the upcoming six-week series, please fill out this brief form and I’ll put you on the list:
*DISCLAIMER: By paying, you acknowledge that some sessions will be recorded on video, and occasional clips will be shared on social media to share the joy of singing, and for marketing purposes. If you’re not comfortable with this, you can request to stay off camera.
Refund policy for membership: If, after joining, you decide it’s not for you, you will be refunded the fee paid, minus $20 per session attended. Missed sessions are not refunded; it is a seasonal membership and most people miss a session or two.
Questions? Please email me at sylvia@sylviahumble.ca
What makes our group different?
Humble Harmony is unlike a choir; it’s informal and we don’t follow sheet music. You’ll never be pigeon-holed into an assigned part - you can explore your range, and try different parts for different songs. We often sing without lyrics sheets, make eye contact, sing songs with actions, and move around the room. It’s about community, and the joy and connection of singing in harmony, as well as creative self expression.
Over time, we get to know a set of songs and create some great-sounding harmonies, hone our listening and harmonizing skills, and gel as a group. We’ll also get to know each other and where our voices fit in the group. The experience of singing together gets sweeter the more we connect in song and community spirit!
Instead of sheet music, we learn by ear in the oral tradition, and I’ll provide song recordings including separate tracks for the melody and harmony parts, to help you learn to sing the parts (whether a main melody or a harmony part).
We generally don’t perform, but instead gather for a “Big Sing” at the end of our season, and invite friends/ family/ the community to join us in song.
Humble Harmony isn’t about perfection; it’s about being ourselves, being willing to make mistakes, laughing, and growing in confidence and self-expression!
Video from my Nanaimo Evening group, in June 2025, at our previous location at Kin Hut on Departure Bay.
Song Lists:
New Year Series: Songs of Hope
Hope In The Day - Coco Love Alcorn
Let Something New Grow - Sarina Partridge
Lead With Love - Melanie Demore
Let It Be - The Beatles (that’s my windy beach video)
Lifting As We Climb - Lea Morris
This World Is for Everyone - Coco Love Alcorn
Sing On - Sarina Partridge
Tending the Spark - Heather Houston
Early Spring Series: Earth and Water
A Wondrous Thing - Gretchen Sleicher
In Your Element - Ashley Johnson
Mull of Kintyre - Paul McCartney
Prayers for Freedom - Ma Muse
Put Your Roots Down - Molly Hartwell
The Mother - Xavier Rudd
Wild And Free - Sarina Partridge
An example of a harmony tutorial video, a learning resource
Cost: Sliding Scale*
*SLIDING SCALE: is meant to welcome people of diverse backgrounds and economic access. Please consider your positionality and choose the sweet spot that is both generous and affordable for you.
First week open house: By donation (or included in membership)
6-week series: $75 - 150 with access to all three locations.
Preferred payment is by e-transfer to sylvia@sylviahumble.ca. Cash and cheque are also welcomed. If you prefer to pay by credit card, here's a link to pay on my Square account: https://square.link/u/FHdmMWjI
Check out my YouTube channel for more harmony videos, community singalong moments
Check out my local community singing events (outdoor singalongs, workshops with songwriters like Sarina Partridge and Coco Love Alcorn)
Join my mailing list for occasional newsletter updates, and follow me on this exciting journey of community songleading!
“I didn't know if bringing my 6 month old baby would work out, coming to the choir, but it turned out to be fantastic! I feel like the songs calmed him and the group dynamic with various ages was great for him. Plus - everyone was so happy to see a baby, and I was happy to let other people hold him as we sang. I love that it’s less formal, yet quick paced; being able to move about as we sing; and the African songs are really cool. The choir filled me with joy and it was like drinking 10 cups of coffee, I felt giddy after. There's something about singing in harmonies and the closeness of other people that gets overlooked in this day and age. It's medicine for the soul.”
— Tamara, Nanaimo
“My inner child is thrilled to be singing again and I thank my lucky stars that I stumbled upon something so wonderful. The warm, welcoming playful environment is so perfectly curated…It’s like the medicine I didn't know I needed. My family has enjoyed how much happier I've been lately.”
— Talitha, Nanaimo
“Participating in Humble Harmony these last 6 weeks has cultivated joy and hope. The experience of singing with and hearing others in song lifts my soul/spirit! I am very grateful for this space and time.”
- Johanne, Nanaimo
“The group helps me practice my new approach to life - more time being content in the moment - less time striving for elusive perfection.”
— Julie, Parksville
Satisfied Singers:
“I am amazed...I felt like I freed up part of myself that had been blocked all my life. I am so happy to have found a voice inside me and let it come out more. Sylvia made me feel like it is ok to sing; in fact it is important. She gave me confidence…”
— Denise, Nanoose Bay, BC
Lone, Nanaimo, BC
Rob, Nanoose Bay, BC
Andrea, Qualicum Beach, BC
Kieran, Nanaimo, BC
Sean, Parksville, BC
Jenny, Parksville, BC
Andrea, Parksville, BC
Laurel, Nanoose Bay, BC
Dave, Parksville, BC
Merrien, Nanoose Bay, BC
Marianne, Nanaimo, BC