“We hear each other’s voices, and it builds a bridge between us.” A choir participant on choir as a place of belonging
Julia Forre is a lifelong singer whose passion for music has defined her journey in life. She has been a member of the SingAble community inclusion choir since 2019, where she sings alongside Robin Good, CEO of the Camrose Association for Community Living.
Julia and Robin joined Ardelle Ries, a choral practitioner and professor of music at the University of Alberta who helped establish SingAble, for SingWell’s final speaker series session on April 25, 2025: “How to Lead Choirs that Promote Social Connection.”
Here, we offer a transcription of Julia’s words on the the deep sense of belonging, connection, and unity in diversity she has experienced firsthand as a member of SingAble.
My journey with SingAble started when I attended a SingAble performance at Midnight Madness at the Bailey Theater. Afterward, Ardelle came over to introduce herself and invited me to join them on Tuesday nights at the Augustana Chapel. I’ve been going ever since, and it’s something I look forward to.
Being part of this inclusion choir has shown me what it means to belong to a family—a family built on song. We are not just a group of voices; we are a community that lifts each other up through every note we sing. The more we sing together, the more we feel the power.
From my very first rehearsal, I felt the magic. This choir isn’t about labels or limits—it’s about joy and unity. As our theme song states, “We love to sing because we are able.” Those words are more than lyrics; they are a promise that no matter who you are, where you come from, or what challenges you face, your voice has a place in our harmony. Every note we sing is a celebration of what we are capable of.
"It's a lifeline that brings confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging."
Music is more than just a passion—it’s a way to express ourselves, connect with others, and find joy in everyday moments. Music isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifeline that brings confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. This choir has taught me the power of acceptance and the beauty of togetherness. Music unites us and shows the world that we are all special in our own way.
Music has a way of bringing us closer, breaking down barriers, and reminding us that we all have a voice worth hearing. It has shown me that music isn’t about sounding the same—it’s about blending our unique tones into one harmony.
"Music has a way of bringing us closer, breaking down barriers, and reminding us that we all have a voice worth hearing."
When we sing, it’s as if all our worries fade away. It’s where we find peace, stand as one, and leave our troubles behind. When we sing, we are a team. We help each other, and we grow. It’s not about being the best singer—it’s about feeling connected and strong. In this group, we are all different—some sing slower, some sing loud, some quiet—but that’s what makes us special. The more we sing, the more we see how unique each person is. It’s like a celebration of our differences, and it makes us stronger. We hear each other’s voices, and it builds a bridge between us. That’s inclusion—everyone gets to be a part of it.
"It's not about being the best singer— it’s about feeling connected and strong."
I am so thankful for SingAble. It has been a true gift—a place where we can all shine, connect, and be ourselves. I call it my SingAble family because that’s what it feels like: a group that cheers for every voice and celebrates every step we take together.
That’s why I love group singing—it brings us together, makes us feel good, and shows the world that we are all special in our own way. Let’s keep building this practice, one song at a time, to celebrate everyone’s uniqueness and create a more inclusive world. SingAble gave me a place to belong, and I am so grateful for that. Together, we prove that no matter who we are, we all have something special to share—and that’s a melody worth singing forever.