The Kokopelli Choir Association believes strongly in promoting the arts in Alberta and has created many opportunities that have connected the youth of this province with choral music. Kokopelli participates in employing and promoting fellow Edmontonian, Albertan and Canadian artists. The association has commissioned a number of original pieces from area composers and has employed other musicians and instrumentalists to enhance the authenticity of each performance.

One of our main vehicles for youth involvement has been the teaching of African traditional pieces. Some examples of the Association’s community involvement in the past include:

• In schools: school concerts which provide Edmonton’s children with the chance to hear and participate in music-making in their community; from 1997 to 2002, Kokopelli also provided leadership in the form of direction and section leaders to the St. Alphonsus Junior High Choir;

• In the community at large: Kokopelli and Òran members enjoy providing section leadership, accompaniment, and direction for the Brail Tone Music Society’s choir for disabled adults. Both choirs also often lead and participate in collaborative workshops with other community choirs, including the Edmonton Junior Children’s Choir, Fort McMurray high schools, Winnipeg’s Prairie Voices, and others.

• Winter 2007 – Kokopelli and Òran members were involved in a successful benefit concert to help raise funds and collect clothing for Edmonton’s growing homeless population.