Laverne G'froerer - Alto
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Laverne has been a member of the alto section of the Vancouver Chamber Choir since 1979 (if you discount a brief and unsuccessful attempt at retirement in 2004.) Being part of this choir is one of the great loves of her life. She has been fortunate to have a parallel career as a CGA with an employer who has supported her throughout with flexibility around the choir’s time commitments.
Laverne began her career as a cellist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, then moved to Vancouver and taught elementary school. She spent years as accompanist for the BC Boys Choir back when Cameron Haney (longtime Vancouver Chamber Choir bass) was in that group. So Laverne and Cam have been performing choral music together since 1969! After singing in the Vancouver Opera Chorus for a number of years, she found her musical home with the Vancouver Chamber Choir. Throughout her time with the choir, she has been married to Brian, a French horn player with the Vancouver Symphony, has raised two beautiful daughters, Joanna and Paula, and is now the proud Grama of two year old Luke. In more recent years, a huge focus in Laverne’s life has been completing the training as a practitioner in an alternative therapy called Healing Touch. She is an active volunteer through a group at Highlands United Church in North Vancouver and works extensively in palliative care situations. Laverne’s family has been unfailing in their patience and support of how she chooses to spend her time – a real gift. Laverne became a member of the Vancouver Chamber Choir Board of Directors during her spell of retirement and is now responsible for CD production and funding. In that capacity she has spearheaded a new series of recording projects, Music for Healing, which partners the choir with a holistic approach to living and healthcare. The first CD, released in September 2006 is titled FINDING THE STILL POINT - Music for Healing. The second project currently in progress is UNEXPECTED GIFTS - Music for Healing II. There is a third CD in the planning stages called Lullabies. Check them out under the header 'Outreach'. Laverne is very excited about the momentum of this new community outreach direction the choir has undertaken. |