Canadian Voices: What is the Feeling? Jennifer McMillan

Inside the MusicCanadian Voices
Written By Jennifer McMillan
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I feel incredibly honoured to be selected to write for this unique project, especially when I see the other composers that were chosen. I still feel new to composing, so to be included amongst this prestigious group of people is a huge thrill for me.

Pro Coro Canada Quartet (from left) Catherine Kubash, Dawn Bailey, Erin Craig, and Sable Chan Michael Zaugg, Conductor

Pro Coro Canada Quartet (from left) Catherine Kubash, Dawn Bailey, Erin Craig, and Sable Chan
Michael Zaugg, Conductor

Writing a commissioned work can be tricky. My first reaction is often to write something challenging and grand, especially when given the opportunity to write for a group like Pro Coro. Michael Zaugg asked if I would consider writing for treble voices, and I immediately knew I wanted to write a piece with a strong and powerful message for young female singers. After a few sleepless nights, I decided to ask the fabulous Sauvé MacBean to write lyrics for me. Sauvé is a fantastic vocalist, songwriter, and musician. We have worked together in the past, and I feel a strong chemistry with her lyrical and musical sense.

Being a musician out of regular work due to the pandemic, I recorded many choirs' rehearsal tracks over the summer (mostly to help them record virtual choir videos). I had just recently recorded a powerful song by Artemisia. I became inspired by the song's message, an anthem of empowerment for the strong women of our world.

I communicated my ideas to Sauvé, and after receiving her lyrics, I instantly loved the simplicity of her words and the depth of the message. I added body percussion to emphasize the strength behind the message and to empower their voices while feeling grounded.

I hope you enjoy "What Is the Feeling?"!

What is the Feeling? - Jennifer McMillan

Canadian Singer-Songwriter Sauvé MacBean

Canadian Singer-Songwriter Sauvé MacBean

What is the feeling of strong?
Lyrics by Sauvé McBean

What is the feeling of strong?
It is the beat of a heart for another.
It is the care of a child by a mother.
What is the feeling of peace?
It is the safety of knowing your feelings.
It is the beauty of quiet and seeing.

What is the feeling of peace?
It is a woman. We are tired of waiting for permission.
We are taking your claim of our space.
Mountains are moving, do you feel them?
We are done apologizing with grace.

What is the feeling of love?
It is life for all those who are searching.
It is home for those who are human.
What is the feeling of love? It is a woman.

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Canadian Voices - Edmonton

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Jennifer McMillan

Jennifer is an active member of the Edmonton musical community. She is a graduate of the Music Composition and Piano Performance programs at Grant MacEwan University and has since developed into a sought-after accompanist, vocalist, composer and arranger.

As an accompanist, she has played for the Kokopelli Choir Association, Grant MacEwan University, BrailTones, Victoria School of the Arts, Lindsay Thurber High School, Strathcona High School, Queen Elizabeth High School, Alberta Opera, Mascato Coastal Youth Choir from Namibia, the Edmonton International Fringe Festival (You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Bigger Than Vegas – Cabaret, Puppet Pilots, Bridget Ryan’s Standards, and Here’s to the Ladies Who Laugh), the Citadel Theatre (SIX) and the Mayfield Dinner Theatre (WEDlocked, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Wedding Singer, Chicago, Four Lads Who Shook The World – The Beatles Story Part 2, 9 to 5, Hairspray, Cabaret, The Simon and Garfunkel Story, Only In Vegas, Jesus Christ Superstar, Back to the 80’s – Part 2, All Shook Up, Canada 151, and Sister Act).

As a vocalist, Jen has lent her talents to various publishing demos and numerous vocal ensembles including the Kokopelli Choir Association, ‘Nuf Sed – of Today’s Innovative Music Edmonton (TIME Association), the Mayfield Dinner Theatre (Dark Star: the Life & Times of Roy Orbison, Two Good Knights: The Music of Sir Tom Jones and Sir Elton John), and the internationally renowned a cappella group Sixth Wave, from Los Angeles. She has performed as a backup singer for Ben Folds and has been a featured vocalist in many film, television and video game recordings. A few favourites include Universal Studios Tokyo, Warframe (video game), CBS’s Hawaii Five-O and CBC’s The Nature of Things.

Jennifer’s choral arrangements and compositions have been heard across North America and have even reached audiences in Europe, Australia, Namibia and South Africa. She has recently moved permanently back to Edmonton after living part-time in Los Angeles.


https://mcmillanmusic.com
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Canadian Voices: Droplets - Laura Hawley
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Canadian Voices: The Heart of Night - Margaret King