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Lisa Ward | Director
ihana Youth Choir, directed by Lisa Ward, was founded in 2010 and is celebrating its 9th season in 2018-2019 with Choirs Red Deer. Members of this choir are ages 15 – 24 and the choir currently has membership from communities across Central Alberta. This enthusiastic and very energetic, close-knit group of teenagers and young adults work together to enrich their lives and the lives of everyone they meet through song. We strive to provide an excellent learning experience for all members and to build community both within and outside our rehearsals through the gift of music.
ihana is a Finnish word that means wonderful, marvelous, and is a fitting way to describe this choir and the many experiences they share with one another. Active at a local level by participating in community events, charitable activities and concerts, ihana has also gained a reputation as one of Western Canada’s outstanding vocal ensembles.
ihana has been a featured ensemble at many events provincially and nationally. These include the Rocky Mountain National Music Festival, Podium (the biannual conference of the Association of Canadian Choral Communities), as well as the Cantando Showcase concerts in Edmonton and Sun Peaks Resort.
“What’s so great about this is the relationships that form because of music. In a choir, friendship comes first. You should know the people you’re sharing this gift with, and It’s so easy to do so in a musical setting. I get to sing with my friends, while being led by a wonderful, trustworthy conductor and friend! I am crowded by loving people. It can’t get any better than that.” −Keenan (former ihana member)