We reach out to the community to contribute to the health of our community and to inspire others through music.
The Elderberries entertain at Muskoka Shores Community, June 2026. PHOTO Paul Sprunt Photography
About Us
The Elderberries are a group of people who love singing and have fun doing it. Based in Gravenhurst, our members come from Muskoka and beyond. We are a community choir and everyone is welcome to join us. There are no auditions. We sing in four-part harmony (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) and our repertoire ranges from popular songs and to Canadian folk music to classical and modern choral arrangements.
For thirty-four years, the choir has performed seasonal concerts and participated in community events. We gather weekly from September to June at Trinity United Church where we have fun learning together and developing our choral singing skills. The diverse membership includes adults from all stages of life and background experiences. We continue to welcome new singers who wish to explore singing with us. Decisions about the Elderberries are made by an executive committee of volunteers. Membership fees, sponsorships and donations sustain the choir financially.
Music Director Jan Telfer conducting the first Elderberries Choir - November,1992
Our History
The Elderberries Choir started in 1992 as a cultural activity to bring a new asset to the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre. "I felt we...were lacking in cultural activity", said Centre director, Mike Lipinski in an article in the Gravenhurst Banner. "We have all kinds of recreational activities...but not cultural events. I'm hoping we can progress as an asset to the community". Within months, the Choir received a government grant which was mainly used to buy sheet music, material for costumes, and a banner that is still in use today at Elderberries concerts. Singers turned out in force, and the choir soon had forty-five members. Many read music and brought experience singing in church choirs. Others were new to reading music. The goal was to "get out and perform, to keep working on challenging music and make it a challenge for the seniors", according to music director Jan Telfer. In time, the Elderberries evolved into an independent adult community choir, and thirty-four years later continues to thrive as a significant part of the cultural landscape of Muskoka.
Our Values
Community and Collaboration
Learning Together
We find joy and fulfillment through working together and respectfully supporting one another to develop confidence and skills and to achieve personal and shared musical goals.
Excellence
We strive for high standards in musical artistry and performances that reflect the Choir's dedication to exceptional quality and continuous improvement.
Belonging
We actively create an environment that shows respect for each person and ensures that the Choir is a safe and welcoming place for all singers.
Fun
We believe that having fun is at the heart of our choir experience and that it is an essential driver for all our values. To that end, we foster a positive, engaging environment during rehearsals and performances, and whenever possible we find opportunities to socialize and celebrate together.