About Island Soul Choir
Island Soul Choir is unlike any other choir on Vancouver Island, and there are many reasons for it.
Unlike traditional choirs that rehearse weekly, Island Soul Choir rehearses just once every three to four weeks, in large part because our music director has to travel from Vancouver to rehearse the choir.
As a result of the extended time between rehearsals, the choir attracts singers from all over Vancouver Island — from Victoria to Port Hardy, and from Bamfield to Quadra, Salt Spring and Gabriola Islands. From the beginning, the choir has consistently had a membership of over 100 singers, and it kept growing. We finally had to cap the size of the choir at 140 singers.
Island Soul Choir accepts anyone who loves to sing — no auditions are required, no previous choir experience is necessary; singers don't even need to be able to read music. So there is a wide range of singing skills among the members.
Our repertoire of soul music includes gospel, spirituals, world music, blues, pop, soul, R&B… basically any type of music that touches, moves or inspires the soul. We regularly bring our audiences to their feet, singing, clapping and even dancing along with the music.
So come and join us — either in the audience or in the choir. You won’t be disappointed.
Click on the following topics to find out more!
Island Soul Choir was founded by Ron Klusmeier and Brian Tate in August 2007. For the first 2 years, the choir operated as Vancouver Island Gospel & World Music Choir, under Brian’s direction and with Ron managing the choir. In the summer of 2009, the choir changed its name to Island Soul Choir, as part of incorporating as a non-profit society and assuming responsibility for its own management.
At each concert, Island Soul Choir typically features emerging musical talent as guest artists. If you or your group would like to be featured at one of our concerts, or you know of someone you think we should consider as our guest, please let us know!
Tom Arntzen became our Artistic Director in July 2024 when Karla Mundy stepped down after 12 amazing years with the choir.
An established artist, Tom wears many hats: vocalist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, producer, musical director, teacher, and actor. He can sing and play any style of music, and has made a living performing and recording for over 40 years.
Tom relishes taking on musical challenges and meeting and exceeding expectations. His 13 years as a classroom music specialist with children aged 5–13, some of whom were special needs, greatly influenced his approach to musical direction and education. He is always respectful, inclusive, and encouraging, and he employs best practices to help musicians reach their greatest potential.
Click on the song titles below to hear clips of some of our favourite songs:
- Ndithandi Khaya performed May 2018
- The River performed with Coco Love Alcorn May 2017
- Be Your Own Light performed June 2014
- Harmonies of Faith Concert, (Iche Oluwa and Bambelela) performed September 2013
- Bambelela performed November 2012