History

Olds Community Chorus Society

In the early 1960s Rufus Schellenberg, then principal of Olds Elementary School, was asked by the Olds United Church to direct their choir. His musical leadership grew to include a community group and the seed for what was to become a community chorus was planted in Olds.

The Olds Community Chorus, originally called the Olds Community Choir, started in 1994. Lori Lipski, Helen Entwistle and Sandy McCleary had just performed in a local production of South Pacific by the Principal Theatre Players of Olds. They were excited about singing together and wanted to do more. They thought about forming a quartet, but the idea led them to a community singing group. As a result the Olds Community Choir was started. All three ladies wanted to sing, but each was able to direct. To resolve the conflict they each took turns directing. Rehearsals started at the Olds Elementary School, but soon moved to the chapel at the Olds Hospital Long Term Care and years later to the Nazarene Church (Hope Point Community Church).

The Olds Community Chorus was registered as a Society in June of 2012 with the purpose of applying for funding through grant applications.

The Chorus currently performs concerts in December and April/May at Olds, as well as other community functions when requested.