There are three words that come up consistently when people describe Elaine Gain: dynamic, energetic and inspiring. Those are the roles one needs to take on, as mastered by Elaine over the past 32 years. The master director of the Greater Kingston Chorus (GKC) retired from that position on January 1, 2012. Elaine grew up in Inverary, a village just north of Kingston. From the age of five, she studied music - including piano, vocal, theory, history and harmony - for 12 years with the Toronto Conservatory of Music. Elaine obtained her degree in music from Queen's University in the mid 1980's. Elaine taught public school for many years and raised two daughters - all the while her passion and dedication to GKC never diminished. Her energy is infectious.

Elaine truly has been the face of Kingston's Sweet Adelines, working tirelessly to ensure the chorus was prepared for annual competitions. For over 29 years GKC has consistently placed first, second or third in regional contests. Having qualified at the Regional level, Elaine competently led the chorus to compete internationally in New Orleans , LA(1994), Portland, OR (2000), Calgary Alberta (2007) and Houston, TX (2011). GKC placed 16th worldwide in Portland. GKC also competed in the Division AA (mid-size chorus) on the international stage in the "Harmony Classic" in Seattle, WA (2010). Now, as her role changes, she will work on vocal arrangements more than ever - selling her arrangements all over the world. She'll also join the rest of the chorus on the "risers" and will be a welcome asset to the bass section.

By Tori Stafford - The Whig Standard (edited with permission)

The words "thank you" are hardly enough. However, the Greater Kingston Chorus wishes to thank Elaine for her years of service to the chorus. Keep on singing, our friend!

For more information on the latest CD release from Greater Kingston Chorus, please visit the For Sale page on the webiste!

1st place AA Midsize medalists and 1st place OVERALL winners at Regional Contest in Syracuse, New York, 1st May 2010. Also, congratulations to 1st Place Winning Quartet for Region 16 "Here & Now!", with GKC's own Nancy Watson, ( www.hereandnowqt.com ) and 5th place Winning Quartet is "Mocha Voca", with GKC's own Paula Allen, and Andria Coward.

Tammy Miller (left) Sweet Adeline of the year 2011-2012 and Denise Kingsbury (Right) Sweet Adeline of the year 2010-2011

If you love to sing we’ve got a place for you!

We are GKC – Greater Kingston Chorus – a group of talented women singing a cappella, in the musical art form of barbershop.

GKC is looking for women singers in Kingston and area. We are a part of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization of female singers who meet regularly to practice, socialize, perform and sing a cappella harmony.

It is not necessary to be able to read music to be a member. There are different methods of learning music – voice training and music education are just some of the members’ benefits. Any woman of average singing ability will find a part that fits her voice range within the chorus.

GKC performs regularly throughout the community offering its talent for entertainment at civic events and charitable functions, in addition to promoting harmony and friendship among women.

Women of all ages who enjoy singing are invited to attend the chorus’ weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Kingston Christian Fellowship, 2674 HWY 38, Kingston ON. K7P 2Y7.

JOIN THE CHORUS, JOIN THE FUN

For more information contact JoAnne Vincent 613-547-6654 or Sharon Fellows 613-389-9370

 

Member Testimonials

“There is something uplifting about raising your voice in harmony with this group of women. Whoever said music is good for the soul was right!”

-Michele K.

“Singing harmony, meeting new friends, and laughter too......I wish I’d found this sooner!"

-Lee C.