‘A sanctuary’: How a Halifax choir brings immigrants together to learn English

The sound of rain tapping against the pavement outside sets the backdrop for the Halifax Newcomer Choir’s rehearsal at St. Andrew’s United Church. As the choir members, hailing from countries like Chile, Brazil, Japan, China, South Korea, and Kenya, gather to practice for an upcoming concert, the sense of community and camaraderie is palpable.

Rachel Manko Lutz, the choir director and founder, leads the group through their setlist for the evening, focusing on songs that will showcase their talents to the audience. The choir, established in November 2021, serves as a platform for new immigrants to Canada to learn English while connecting with others in their community.

Manko Lutz, a passionate advocate for using choral singing as a tool for language acquisition, believes in the power of music to create a welcoming and supportive environment for newcomers. Through the Newcomer Choir Association-Canada, she has expanded the reach of the choir to include similar groups in St. John’s, N.L., and London, Ont.

One of the choir members, Sylvia Ng’eno from Kenya, describes the choir as a “spark” in her life, citing the friendships she has formed with fellow singers as invaluable. For Marcio Silva, a civil engineer from Brazil, the choir has been a sanctuary where he can improve his English skills through music.

The diverse repertoire of songs, including Canadian artists like The Tragically Hip and Joni Mitchell, provides choir members with a rich vocabulary and cultural insight into their new home. Songs like Donna Rhodenizer’s “Call of the Ocean” have helped Silva learn about the seas and marine life, enhancing his language skills in a unique way.

Jaime Espinoza, a computer engineer from Chile, appreciates the sense of community and support the choir offers to newcomers like himself and his wife. In a time when immigration debates are fraught with tension, groups like the Halifax Newcomer Choir play a vital role in promoting a positive image of immigrants and fostering connections within the community.

As Martha Radice, an anthropologist at Dalhousie University, notes, these community groups are essential for promoting happiness and unity in society. By nurturing and supporting initiatives like the Halifax Newcomer Choir, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for newcomers to Canada.