Kokopelli performs with the greatest heart, spirit and energy
The camaraderie, passion for singing, and performances of all ages is magical. I'm so proud to be a part of the Kokopelli Choir Association.
who we are
Kokopelli Choirs is a community choir family based in Edmonton, Alberta. We offer musical growth and performance opportunities through seven choirs for singers aged 5 to adult and early childhood music experiences for preschoolers. Known for innovative performances, wide-ranging repertoire, and musical excellence, Kokopelli Choirs believes in the power of music to create diverse, inclusive, and strong communities.
Kokopelli Choirs takes COVID safety very seriously. For the 2021-2022 season, all eligible members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to participate in person in singing activities. This will include singers born 2010 and later, once vaccines are approved for this age range, and given a reasonable time frame for parents to arrange for their child's vaccination.
Other COVID safety measures will remain in place through the season, which will vary by the choir and may be adjusted through the season according to pandemic conditions. At this time, we are planning to start with online rehearsals only for those choirs where singers are too young to be vaccinated (Kikimasu & Shumayela).
- Kokopelli (ages 14-24) - an auditioned mixed-voice youth choir, our flagship ensemble
- Òran (young adults 20 & up) - an auditioned mixed-voice choir that enjoys a busy performance schedule and challenging repertoire
- Shumayela (ages 12-16) - an auditioned youth choir that includes some changed voices every year, a busy and vibrant crew of young singers
- Kikimasu (ages 9-12) - our youngest auditioned choir, treble voices singing in several parts
- Tamariki (ages 5-9) - our non-auditioned starter choir, with several sections rehearsing in smaller groups
- Vacilando (adults) - an auditioned mixed-voice choir with a slightly more relaxed performance schedule
- ChandraTala (adults) - an auditioned upper-voice choir for experienced singers of any gender
Kokopelli has received several honours, including the YMCA Peace Medal, the Edmonton Salute to Excellence, and the Syncrude award for Innovative Artistic Direction. Kokopelli's ensembles have placed first in competitions both provincially and nationally. However, our focus remains not on winning awards, but on reaching singers and audience members through our performances.
We acknowledge that all our choirs gather to sing and perform on Treaty Six territory, which is the traditional and ancestral meeting ground of many Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, and Saulteaux. We acknowledge this land is also home to the Métis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Founded in 1996 by artistic director Scott Leithead, Kokopelli continues to grow and evolve, but our core values are unchanged:
- we are a community
- we are learners
- we strive to be artists
- we explore music's meaning
- we cultivate gratitude
- we exercise self-discipline
- we celebrate vulnerability
- we seek diversity
- we sing with open hearts because our music is both important and beautiful
SING WITH US IN 2021-2022
Check here to learn more about joining our choirs!
