ABOUT
Summerside Community Choir
Choir 101: Explore our History, Repertoire and Meet the Choir
Our mission is to create meaningful musical experiences that inspire connection, celebrate creativity, and enrich the cultural life of our community.
History
Summerside Community Choir
Bill Leuty's Vision
In 1978, Bill Leuty had a vision to form a community choir in Summerside, PEI and he made it a reality. Forty years later, in 2018, the Summerside Community Choir proudly celebrated four decades of choral music with more than fifty members.
Since then, the choir has been guided by several dedicated directors, each shaping its sound and direction. Most recently, Musical Director John Wervers has brought renewed energy and artistry to the ensemble, revitalizing its repertoire, strengthening musicianship, and inspiring both longtime and new members alike.
Today, the Summerside Community Choir is home to 76 members, spanning four vocal sections (soprano, alto, tenor and bass), and performs two major concerts each year (December and April).
Many performances also feature guest instrumentalists who add richness and depth to the choir’s sound. Beyond the stage, the choir continues to support community outreach initiatives throughout the year.
Our Music
Expressive Repertoire
That Connects us
The Summerside Community Choir performs non-denominational choral music that is accessible, layered, and emotionally resonant.
Our repertoire includes
- Familiar choral classics and contemporary works
- Programs shaped around themes of home, connection, and lived experience
- Occasional guest instrumentalists adding texture and warmth such as:
Adia Laureijs, flute and vocal
Lacey Gauthier, harpist
Ruth Ann Read-Clay, organist
and Island Brass Quartet.
Recent selections
Homeward Bound, This Is My Home, You Raise Me Up, Carol of the Bells.
Meet the Choir
Director
John Wervers
Meet Our Director - John Wervers
Appointed in August 2024, John Wervers brings more than forty years of experience as a conductor, educator, and arts leader to the Summerside Community Choir. Originally joining the choir as a genial bass and dedicated member, John soon stepped forward to lead, bringing renewed energy, professionalism, and a deep love of choral music.
Holding a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of Regina, with additional study in Europe, John has lectured and led music programs at both the university and secondary levels. He has directed and shaped numerous choirs, orchestras, and bands across Ontario, inspiring musical excellence and connection everywhere he’s worked.
Under his direction, the Summerside Community Choir continues to grow in artistry and community presence; honouring its long tradition while embracing new creative possibilities.
The Choir
Connect. Belong. Sing.
The Summerside Community Choir is a mixed-voice, open-membership ensemble of nearly 80 singers, representing four vocal sections: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass.
Our members are mostly from Summerside and "Up West", bringing a range of experience from seasoned choral musicians to those joining a choir for the very first time. Together, they create a warm, dynamic sound that reflects both the choir’s strong musical tradition and its welcoming spirit.
We welcome new members for the first three weeks of rehearsals at the beginning of each term in September and January. There is no formal audition process for new members.
Past Performances
“See Amid the Winter's Snow” | Summerside Community Choir | December 21, 2025
See Amid the Winter's Snow", was SCC's most successful concert ever. Our largest choir of 75 members performed for our largest audience of 500 appreciative listeners. The eclectic program of classic and playful material delighted the attendees.
Special guests Island Brass Quartet, Harpist Lacey Gauthier, and Soloist and flutist Adia Laureijs added a variety of beautiful live music. The candle lit finale of Silent Night sung acapella was a memorable conclusion to an extraordinary afternoon.
“Canada - This Is Our Home" | Summerside Community Choir | April 2025
"Canada - This Is Our Home" was the theme of the Summerside Community Choir's spring concert, held 27 April 2025 at Trinity United Church. It featured inspiring songs about freedom and love for country. During our months in rehearsal, these songs became more poignant as the US President began threatening Canada with tariffs and worse.
John Wervers conducted, Tanya Bernard collaborated on piano and Wendy Murray provided flute accompaniment. The program opened with Canada's national anthem and closed with the rousing, bilingual tribute "This is my Home." Other highlights included a trio of humorous songs set in PEI, several works by John Rutter, Oscar Peterson's "Song for Peace," and a medley of "Amazing Grace" and "My Chains are Gone."
It was an emotional experience for both singers and the appreciated audience.