Among British Columbia’s booming and interconnected choral community, it’s not uncommon to see two generations of one family in a choir. But how many choirs can boast that they have three?

When the Vancouver Orpheus Male Choir hired 23-year-old Luke McAndless-Davis as its assistant conductor over the summer, it received an unexpected windfall.

After a few rehearsals, Luke’s father Bruce joined to share in the experience. Then, grandfather Glen decided that he too wanted to join the choir.

“First, I hear from grandson, Luke, that he has been asked to be assistant conductor of Orpheus. Makes me proud!” recalls Glen. “Second, I hear that son, Bruce, has joined Orpheus and can share that experience with Luke. Makes me happy! Third, I get a 10-point document from both of them with all the reasons why I should join Orpheus too. Makes me scared! Fourth, here I stand in the back row and watch my grandson conduct the choir and am filled with pride and joy! I think, ‘Ain’t music great! It is music, and a great bunch of welcoming singers, that makes this possible.’”

While all three McAndless-Davis men have prior choral experience, this is their first time in the same ensemble. “It’s very special to be able to do it together in one great choir,” says Bruce. “It’s a rare and wonderful privilege to be present as my son takes his first steps as a professional conductor and a deep joy to experience the tremendous support he has from all my fellow singers.”

As BCCF Regional Director – Metro Vancouver/Whistler (and proud Orpheus member) Alan Sanderson, explains, “Both are very good singers, and even better, Glen is a first tenor! When Luke is not conducting the choir he also sings first tenor, so the choir’s first tenor section has definitely benefited from the choir’s decision.”

For Luke, the greatest part has been having his family close by as he finds his footing as a young conductor in BC’s choral community.

“It has been an absolute joy to get to sing alongside and conduct my father and grandfather,” says Luke. “As I take some of my first professional steps it has been wonderful to look out into the choir to see my family beaming supportively. The experience of making music with two important men from my family has been so special for us and I highly recommend making choir a family affair!”

Is choir a family affair for you too? We want to hear your story. Get in touch with us anytime at communications@bcchoralfed.com.