"Put your energy into the song and then people can feel that," and with that encouragement 45 Iranian, Korean and Chinese-born Canadians belted out this country's national anthem.
Led by Angelina Park, a local music teacher, the large group sang each word to Canada's national anthem with as much emphasis as they could muster. Park even had to remind them to smile.
But after a few tries, and a few hearty renditions of their own country's national anthem as well, the group, made up of approximately 15 seniors from each nationality, finally relaxed.
"You guys have a big smile, I love that," Park said.
The seniors are practicing for a performance to take place Friday, Feb. 13 at Henderson Centre from 1 to 4 p.m. during a Seniors Multicultural Day event organized by the Seniors Enrichment Project and SUCCESS.
Azin Kalantari, who is helping to organize the afternoon of presentations, traditional dances, music, food, and displays for Tri-City seniors and local dignitaries, said all seniors are welcome to come.
"It is to get familiar with other cultures, not to be at home alone, to prevent isolation, this is the main idea."
But last Friday day singing in harmony was the goal and a few seniors The Tri-City News talked to said the choir practice was a fun way to get to know people.
"I'm making many friends," said Maria Kim, who came from Korea 10 years ago.
"Very nice, very multicultural, I love it," said Parvin Hakima, who immigrated to Canada 30 years ago and is now an active senior volunteering with many groups.
Kalantari said the seniors enrichment initiative started three years ago to provide English conversation, life skills, classes, multicultural activities and community tours for Korean and Iranian seniors.
