GEPAC’s Choir Debut  -  Delivers!

Members of the Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada (GEPAC) showed off their vocal virtues at the organisation’s Annual Remembrance Brunch onSun., Nov. 6, 2011to officially debut their choir.

GEPAC’s choir was formed only three weeks prior to their inaugural stage performance but this group was not just a motley crew.  From the opening bell when our drummers took the stage, to the closing act for a respectful bow to the audience, all eyes and ears were riveted to the performers colourful dress, dance moves, vocal delivery, harmony and cohesion.  Despite only three practice sessions, the choir delivered sterling renditions of four favourite Guyanese folk songs, much to the pleasant surprise and appreciation of their 250-plus audience at the Rembrandt Banquet Halls in Scarborough.

With opening signature folk song “Oman A Dead Ya Fo Man” led by former Guyana Police Male Voice Choir member Julian Austin, the group had some of the audience dancing in the aisles while most joined in the chorus lines.  They followed up with “Bamboo Fire”, featuring John Johnson as lead vocalist.  Then Doreen Gibson sang lead for “Uncle Joe” and Country Kenny Joseph did the honours for “Satira Gal”. 

The Guyana Ex-Police Canadian Choir brought the house down when performers pranced off the stage and continued the song-and-dance sequel amongst the audience with their final rendition of “Satira Gal”.  Yes, they worked the audience with some traditional “wineing” and old-time gyrations.  It was truly a time of reminiscence for our Guyanese culture and heritage, with the audience loving every moment. 
For several years, there were always discussions amongst the group for the formation of a choir.  However, the choir only materialised three weeks before the Brunch through the encouragement and drive of Dessie Fanfair, daughter of GEPAC’s Founding Father, John Chance.  Simply put, she (and others) wanted a choir performance at the association’s Remembrance Bunch.

With singing stalwarts Julian and Country Kenny to assist with three auditions, the group welded together for a spirited performance, perhaps even surprising themselves.  Also outstanding was the fact that the choir had never before performed with the accompaniment of musical veterans Martin Grimmond on keyboards, and Jan Morgan on trumpet.

The Guyana Ex-Police Association Canadian Choir members are in alpha order:  Lance Alexander on guitar, Julian Austin, Gordon Collins, Lucille Charles, Dessie Fanfair, Doreen Gibson, William Henry on guitar, Louis Jarvis, John Johnson, Country Kenny Joseph, Bert Leacock, John O’Dell on drums, Joy Simon, and Roy Soobrian on drums.  Gordon Collins emceed the Brunch programme but was unavailable to sing with the choir because of another commitment.