Kitsilano residents looking for a creative and community-driven musical experience this summer have a unique opportunity to join the SongRise Improv Choir, a long-running Vancouver vocal group that puts spontaneity at the centre of its sound.
Led by Vancouver-based facilitator Laurel Murphy, SongRise is not your typical choir. There are no sheet music binders or rehearsed performances. Instead, participants gather in a circle and create music in real time—layering rhythms, harmonies, and melodies through guided improvisation.
The choir’s summer programming features a series of drop-in sessions on Tuesdays from April 28 to June 9th, plus July 21, July 28 and August 25th at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House at West 7th Avenue and Vine Street.
SongRise is open to anyone who loves to sing—no formal training required. Newcomers are introduced to the fundamentals of vocal improvisation, while more experienced singers can explore soloing and deeper musical collaboration. The emphasis is on listening, connection, and co-creation rather than perfection.
The format draws inspiration from circle singing traditions popularized by artists like Bobby McFerrin, where participants build songs organically using their voices as instruments. Styles can shift fluidly from jazz and blues to global influences, depending on the energy in the room.
Murphy, who has been leading improvisational vocal circles since the early 1990s, describes SongRise as more than just a choir—it’s a community practice. Participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, connect with others, and discover what’s possible when music is created collaboratively in the moment.
While the choir runs regular weekly sessions through the fall and spring, the summer series offers a more casual entry point for those curious about trying something new.
For Kitsilano locals, it’s a chance to experience music not as performance, but as participation—no auditions, no pressure, just a room full of voices coming together to create something entirely original.
More information and registration details are available at Laurel Murphy’s website.
Last modified: April 26, 2026
