SongRoots Big Sing Weekend - July 11th-13th, 2025!
Join our incredible line-up of instructors for our first every Big Sing weekend!
Registration opens Sunday Jan 12th at 10:00 am PST
Registration for SongRoots 2024 will begin Sunday January 12th, 2024. We are so excited to be hosting SongRoots for our 12th YEAR!!
SongRoots is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive community. We welcome people of all ages, genders, races, sexual orientation, gender identities, differing abilities, cultural backgrounds and spiritual beliefs to find joy in singing and being together. We celebrate diversity and deeply believe that we are stronger together.
Cost for the SongRoots Big Sing weekend ONLY will be $450 + $100 Registration Fee + GST.
If you are there for the July summer camp (July 7-11) and extended your stay, the cost will be $350 + $100 Registration Fee + GST.
Cost includes everything - full tuition, accommodations, all meals and water taxi.
Read below to learn about the Big Sing Instructors!!
Instructors 2024
Brian Tate
Cara Luft
Juno award winning singer-songwriter-musician Cara Luft is that rare artist steeped in folk and traditional roots music almost from birth, yet willing to alter the fabric, stretch the boundaries and fearlessly bend genres and styles. A founding member of Canadian folk super-group The Wailin' Jennys and the brainchild behind Winnipeg's acclaimed powerhouse duo The Small Glories, Luft deserves her solid reputation as one of Canada’s finest live performers, armed with amazing tenacity, vision, energy and a contagious hilarity. To quote the roots magazine No Depression, “Luft has a rich tradition in folk music – it’s safe to assume that she knows her stuff – and upon listening it becomes quite clear that she is indeed a formidable songwriter and performer... [The] lovely Ms. Luft sets the bar for the talented few who’ll follow in her footsteps.”
Cara has a spirit that drives her to connect with people, and for this she is loved everywhere she goes. Reviewers of her live shows talk about her compelling vocals, superb musicianship, humorous anecdotes, accomplished songwriting, ability to switch between styles and the charm of her stage presence. Cara’s the real deal, there’s nothing pretentious about her. And that sense of honesty, integrity, personality and spontaneity permeates both her music and her live shows. “Long may she reign!” (Lonesome Highway)
Cathy Baker
Dick Jackson
Heidi McCurdy
Heidi McCurdy is a singer, songwriter, sound healer, holistic voice coach and Expressive Arts Therapist.
She believes in the magic and medicine of music as a powerful way to connect us more deeply with oursvles, each other, and the Earth. She is passionate about holding space for others to explore their voices and discover new levels of joyful expression and creativity.
Through her musical influences in jazz, soul, world, and folk, along with extensive training in Bobby McFerrin's circle-singing, Rhiannon's Vocal River improv method, and vocal sound healing techniques, Heidi has cultivated the ability to tune into the "music of the moment" and guide others to sing from their soul.
In all of her music and facilitation, Heidi aims to live in a service to the Muse, and to the re-wilding of our creative spirit.
Kaitlin Foley
Kaitlin Foley, soprano, has “emerged as one of the truly great musicians of this city” (Vocal Arts Chicago). With her “vocal gleam and fiery dramatic involvement” (Chicago Classical Review) and her “absolute technical security” (John von Rhein), Ms. Foley is a versatile performer with an ear for early and new music. She has sung with the Haymarket Opera Company, Grant Park Chorus, Third Coast Baroque, Ensemble Dal Niente, and is a founding member of the genre-bending vocal theater ensemble Artemisia. Foley recently debuted as a soloist with the Grant Park Chorus and Orchestra on Schubert’s Mass in G.
Through various cultural exchange programs including Village Harmony and SongRoots, she has studied non-Western vocal traditions in Corsica, Republic of Georgia, Cuba, and Appalachia. She achieved her M.M. in Voice Performance from DePaul University and completed her undergraduate work in music education at the University of Missouri. Ms. Foley equally enjoys teaching and performing, and directs various choirs and teaches voice at People’s Music School, Merit School of Music, The Musical Offering, Women of Note, Evanston Township High School, and Niles West High School.
Karla Mundy
Karla Mundy is a vibrant, soulful and diverse vocalist, pianist, arranger and choir leader. Karla directs Rhythm ‘n’ Roots and the City Soul Choir in Vancouver and the Island Soul Choir on Vancouver Island.
Karla leads harmony singing workshops throughout BC and organizes many singing camps, workshops and singing study trips abroad. Karla is a founding member of the No Sh!t Shirleys, TriVo, Cleia, Plough, Tanglewood Trio and Big Whoop! Karla is passionate about teaching harmony singing, getting the music off the page and digging deep into new musical territory.
Luke Wallace
Luke Wallace is a dynamic force in the world of folk music, using his talent as a songwriter, speaker, and choral arranger to champion environmental causes and inspire positive change.
Hailing from the Coast Salish Territory known as Vancouver, Canada, Luke has been on a decade-long journey of touring, recording, and organizing for the betterment of people and the planet.
In 2023, Luke took the global stage as a feature performer at the United Nations Water Conference, the first of its kind in a generation.
With hundreds of concerts across North America under his belt, Luke has become a sought-after voice in the fight against climate change, spreading a message of hope and action through his music.
Samantha Fletcher
Samantha is a dynamic and interdisciplinary artist, performer, educator, and therapist with over 20 years of experience. She leads inquiries that inspire individuals and groups to connect deeply with their voices, that foster creativity, and cultivate personal and collective well-being. With an MA in Ethnomusicology, an MACP in Counselling Psychology, Samantha combines academic depth with a unique blend of artistic and therapeutic expertise.
A founding member of the No Sh!t Shirleys, Samantha’s areas of musical expertise include vocal performance, improvisation, body percussion, songwriting, and arranging for voices. Following an eclectic professional path, she continues to take on the roles of performer, community choir director, and arts administrator, informed by the knowledge that collective creation, song, and personal expression have the power to unite, uplift and restore.
As a clinical counsellor, Samantha integrates psychotherapeutic modalities with voice and bodywork, mindfulness practices, and singing. She meets individuals and groups with warmth, curiosity, and a playful spirit, creating inclusive and collaborative spaces that foster creative expression and personal and collective well-being.
Through workshops, retreats, classes, and inquiries, Samantha empowers individuals and communities to explore their creativity and unlock their unique voices. Her work stands at the intersection of the arts and mental health, offering a transformative path toward both personal growth and collective well-being.
Sarina Partridge
Sarina Partridge is a musician, song-leader, educator and activist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She feels most alive when learning, creating and sharing songs -- especially songs that grow out of time spent in wild places.
Sarina sings with a wide variety of music projects: community song-leading; harmony-rich original music with folk trio Heartwood; performing and teaching of Eastern European and Yiddish song - her own musical lineage; and harmony music from around the world, which she has learned from tradition bearers and master singers.
Sarina has a passion for connecting people with their own creativity and with community, and uses harmony singing as a modality to help folks develop a sense of wonder and belonging in this wild world around us.
Admin and SongRoots Team Extraordinaire!
Ali Romanow
Ali Romanow is a non-binary music educator located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island in Canada. Music has been part of their life since childhood, it has taken them over the world as both a performer and an educator. It is how they connect with others and has been a constant companion supporting them through life's ups and downs.
Ali’s main mission as a musical educator is to help build diverse, supportive and safe musical communities for people of all ages and levels of experience. We all deserve to play music together, regardless of your level of experience or skill. Together we will build the skills and confidence necessary to feel comfortable and confident making music with others.
Wendy Knudson
Wendy is passionate about all aspects of music – organizing workshops, teaching, collaborating, and playing. From her living room to being onstage to time in the studio, Wendy sings, plays guitar, accordion, upright bass, ukulele and fiddle. She plays a broad variety of genres, ranging from Celtic, folk, gypsy jazz, Brazilian choro, to French café music, and western swing. Wendy has the great pleasure of teaching accordion, guitar, ukulele and fiddle to kids of all ages in Courtenay, BC.
Erinn Doncaster
Counsellor by day and harmony nerd by, well, also by day, Erinn has been singing harmonies for as long as they can remember.
When they’re not being a trauma therapist or belting out a third harmony along with whatever folk duo is playing on the radio, Erinn co-directs Fieramente (a choir for the 2SLBGTQIA+ community in the Comox Valley), sings back-up vocals, and teaches workshops on music and mental wellness.
Wendy Knudson, Ali & Bob Romanow help out with many aspects of SongRoots. One of their important roles is that of 'Float Crew'! These three people help get us all on and off of Gambier Island
Karla Mundy started SongRoots in July 2014 and is beyond thrilled at how this dream has taken root and is growing. After going to (and loving) many music camps and workshops, Karla thought it would be wonderful to have an all vocal camp in Western Canada. At most of the camps that Karla went to, there would be large overflowing and happy singing classes and she could imagine that a whole camp dedicated to singing would be wonderful. SongRoots is a chance to dig deeper, expand repertoire and styles and focus solely on the voice with others who love to sing in an intensive setting on a beautiful island away from our busy daily lives! Karla loves the sense of community that has emerged from SongRoots and is delighted by the musical and personal growth that happens every year during (and beyond) these 5 magical days!
Weekend July 11-13 2025 Classes
The schedule for the weekend program will have more BIG SING choir time all together. See the Schedule in the next tab for a description.
CLASS ONE
Wild & Wander Choir w/ Heidi McCurdy (no limit)
Learn simple songs, intuitive vocal practices and eco-psychological perspectives for "communicaring" (Barbara Bickel) with the natural world and inspiring your creativity.
All are welcome!
No music reading required.
TRIO singing w/ Cara Luft, Kaitlin 
Foley and Karla Mundy (no limit)
In this class we will draw on the material of the "Trio" - the famous country group consisting of Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.
We will learn the music as a big group and then singers can try the songs in trios if they would like. No need to come in a pre-formed trio!
Embodied Improv w/ Samantha Fletcher (no limit)
In Embodied Improv we integrate vocal improvisation, body percussion, and expressive movement.
Participants will be introduced to structured improvisational exercises that feature groovy bass lines, and percussive vocal parts that inspire the body to move.
Using improv as a compositional tool, the group will spontaneously create original pieces and arrangements of well-loved tunes.
No improv experience is needed - just show up ready to play and collaborate.
Soulful Songs to Sing Into w/ Cathy Baker and Dick Jackson (no limit)
Come and join us in learning some shorter songs with juicy harmonies, on the mellow side, taught by ear, with some spaciousness in how we spend our time together.
We might invite gentle movement along with the singing to embody the music more fully, and deepen our connection with each other.
We're aiming for that just-right blend of mindfulness and instant gratification!
Movement Songwriting w/ Luke Wallace (no limit)
The global choral community is thirsty for new music that speaks to the present ecological and social times and we are the ones to write it.
This class is a collective exercise where we write a song for the movement by exploring our own intersections of grief and hope for the future.
This is a mix of solo writing and group collaboration
CLASS TWO
Songwriting w/ Sarina Partridge
Sarina Partridge is a songleader and songweaver, creating new songs inspired by the wild around and within each of us – and she is excited to welcome you into her songwriting process!
In this workshop, we will explore “listening in” for a song seed – a melodic or thematic song fragment that is trying to come through you. Participants will have time to gather observations and inspiration in the natural world. People will develop their little song seed into something that is singable and satisfying, both musically and emotionally.
Once a basic song is formed, folks will have the opportunity to collaborate with other participants, supported by Sarina, to add vocal harmony and/or instruments if desired.
All experience levels welcome, even if this is your first time crafting a song!
Mindfulness for Singers w/ Samantha Fletcher
Mindfulness is the awareness that arises when we consciously and non-judgmentally pay attention to what is happening right now. This kind of awareness brings us into an enlivened, present state, and is a prerequisite for powerful and transcendent performance.
Mindfulness practices can help singers develop breath and body awareness, follow their creative impulses, access spontaneity, and improve communication with others. Awareness without judgement can also help quiet the self-criticism that interferes with the creative process.
Mindfulness for Singers introduces participants to awareness-building exercises for body, breath, voice, and mind, which will then be put into practice as the group rehearses and performs ensemble and solo pieces.
Songs With a Bang! w/ Cathy Baker and Dick Jackson (no limit)
We've got a bunch of bangers here! — a cappella songs that are even stronger with some added percussion.
Come and enjoy these songs for the rhythm-driven energy they bring. And if you're interested in learning a little about tastefully adding a beat to community singing, you can have a chance to try out some of the tricks of the trade that work for us — we'll bring the instruments!
Sing From Your Soul w/ Heidi McCurdy (no limit)
Dive into the musical unknown! Using just our voices, we will explore playful ways to sing the "music of the moment" and co-create improvised soundscapes, circle-songs, trios and solos.
Learn to trust your musical instincts and inspiration as you sing from your soul.
BIG SING CHOIR w/ Brian Tate, Sarina Partridge, Kaitlin Foley and Karla Mundy
During the weekend we will have plenty of time to sing as a full community. Brian, Sarina, Kaitlin and Karla will work together in tag team choir director style to teach you accessible, spirited and satisfying songs all together.
Friday July 11th-Sunday July 13th 2025
The BIG SING weekend will have a different flow than the 5 day camp. We will be spending more time singing all together, while still allowing for exciting break away classes and time off to explore, rest and sing.
FRIDAY JULY 11th
After lunch, those who are going home after the 5 day camp will head to the water taxis and we will welcome the weekend only singers over to camp. We will leave a little breathing room for everyone to get settled before we start out official program.
4:00-4:20 Welcome Orientation at the Pavillion
4:30-5:45 CLASS A (choice of 3-4 different classes)
6:00-6:45 Dinner
7:30-9:00 BIG SING
SATURDAY JULY 12th
8:30-9:15 Breakfast
9:30-10:00 Warm Up
10:00-11:00 BIG SING
11:15-12:30 CLASS B
12:30-1:15 Lunch
3:00-4:15 CLASS A
4:45-5:45 BIG SING
6:00-6:45 Dinner
7:30 DANCE
*School of Rock Folk Out with Cara Luft following the dance!
SUNDAY JULY 13th
Pack up and get luggage tags before breakfast
8:30-9:15 Breakfast
9:15-9:45 Load up luggage and prepare for departure
9:45-10:00 Warm Up
10:00-11:00 BIG SING
11:15-12:30 CLASS B
12:30-1:15 Lunch
2:00-3:00 BIG SING
3:30 -onwards -start heading back to HSB
Friday July 11th - Water taxis will begin taking people from Horseshoe Bay to Gambier Island at 10:30 am. Please arrive at 9:30 am for registration and to have your bag tagged and loaded.
Friday July 11th - Water taxis will begin leaving Gambier Island at 1:00 pm. The last water taxi will likely leave around 2:30. You can safely plan to be back at Horseshoe Bay between 2:00 and 3:00.
Here is a full view LAST YEAR's SCHEDULE! This year's schedule will be very similar but will come out soon!
Accommodations
SongRoots – Summer Camp Accommodations
There are various options for accommodations at Camp Fircom.
1. Tenting! You have the option of bringing your own tent 
and setting up your home for the week in some of the gorgeous camp sites at Camp Fircom.
There are communal washrooms for tenters and cabin sleepers.
(Tenters get a $20 discount)
2. Canvas Tents - Camp Fircom provides 6 large Canvas tents. These can be shared by 3-4 people and mattresses are provided - all you need to bring is your own sleeping bag and pillow.
This option is available at no extra cost if there are 3-4 people in one.
3. Cabin/Bunkhouse 1-4 – will sleep up to 8 in a room - everyone will get a lower bunk and can keep their gear on the top bunk. There are shared communal bathrooms and everyone brings their own bedding. There are electrical outlets in the cabins.
This option is available at no extra cost. These Cabins are the newer ones that were built in the last few years.
4. Craigcroft – there is a choice of shared or single rooms (limited) in Craigcroft. Craigcroft is a 2 storey dorm-style residence with 12 rooms and a large common room. We will have 8 double rooms and 4 single rooms. There are two bathrooms with additional washrooms located in the dining hall which is right next door.
You can bring your own bedding or you can pay an extra $35 to have it supplied for you.
There is an additional cost to stay in Craigcroft of $90 for a double room and $180 for a single room.
5. Farmhouse - this is the most luxurious accommodation available! There are two bedrooms (each with a queen sized bed), a fully equipped kitchen, a large patio (with a view of the water) and a beautiful living room. All linens are provided.
There is an additional cost of $300 per room at the Farmhouse.
FOOD at Fircom!
Fircom focuses on healthy, delicious homemade meals to ensure that you are satisfied and feeling great during your time at camp. Our chef and farmer work together to grow beautiful, abundant harvests in our 1.5 acres organic garden. Much of the produce from the Farm ends up in beautiful meals or in the delicious and colorful salad bar served at each lunch and dinner.
Camp Fircom is endeavouring to be as sustainable as possible and tread lightly on the earth. One of the ways they are doing this is by trying to cut back on food waste. The main thought is 'take what you need, and eat what you take' - there is going to be plenty of food for second helpings so please don't be shy if you didn't get enough food the first time. 2nd helpings are available!
For those just coming for the weekend, you will meet at Horseshoe Bay around 12:30 pm/1:00 pm to register on Friday July 11th. Once we know how many people will be coming over for the weekend only, we will make a more comprehensive plan.
You will be registered by Ali Romanow, Wendy Knudson and Bob Romanow. They have a wonderful system to get you all sorted, loaded on the boat and sent over. You must check in with them first before heading down to the dock!!
We have to make special arrangements for the water taxis on Friday afternoon and those costs are included in your ticket. If you miss the water taxi, you will be responsible for getting yourself to the island (through Cormorant Marine Water Taxi) and will have to cover that cost. Some people have been asking about special water taxi departure times - I am unable to organize anything extra outside of our scheduled times.
Where to meet? Where to park?
Meet at the park in Horseshoe Bay right on the water. There you will receive your welcome package and be organized into different water taxis. The Water Taxi Loading area is at the end of the Government Dock in Horseshoe Bay, which is to the East of the new condos. Please do not go to the Water Taxi office, as they are not responsible for the check-in of our campers.
Parking! - there are various lots at Horseshoe Bay. I would suggest carpooling. The lots closest to the terminal cost about $20/day. There is a cheaper lot up the hill. http://www.tiddlycovelions.com/?page_id=11 The best option is getting dropped off if possible!
LIONS OVERFLOW PARKING Located at 6318 Marine drive, West Vancouver Across from the 2nd hole of Geneagles Golf Club, just south of Geneagles Elementary School
**We will be arriving and leaving at low tide which means that the ramp to get to the boat is kind of steep! The trip to and from Fircom is a little arduous. It does include carrying your luggage, walking up and down steep loading ramps and then walking up a hill on Gambier up to Camp Fircom. There is a truck that will take our luggage and could drive people with mobility problems. We will have designated helpers and lifters are all there to help each other.
3. Leaving on Sunday
The boats start leaving Fircom at 3:30 on Sunday. We can only load one water taxi at a time so I am unable to tell anyone exactly when they will get back to HSB. It could be as early at 4:15 or you could be on the last water taxi and not get back until about 5:30 or so.
See below for important info and helpful tips!
1) How do the canvas tents (sibleys) work? Canvas Tents can accommodate 3-4 people– Fircom provides mattresses and you bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Think sleep over/slumber party! You will be close and cozy. If you have a group of 3-4 people, there would be no extra cost.
2) How can I pay in instalments? How much is camp?
Camp costs $450 + $100 Registration + GST. (Or $350 + $100 Registration Fee + GST if you are going for the week before) There are several accommodation upgrades that cost extra. You can pay in instalments - just get in touch with Karla to sort out a schedule.
3) I'm really new to singing and nervous about coming.. what classes are best suited for beginners/less experienced singers?
Any of the classes during the weekend program are appropriate for new singers! This is a very welcoming community!
4) Are there any Bed & Breakfasts available near Fircom?
No, Fircom is on the south eastern corner of Gambier and there is no road access to New Brighton or most of the rest of the island. There are no accommodation rentals in the near vicinity.
5) Can I bring my own boat to Fircom?
You can, but there is no mooring on the government dock. You can anchor in Fircom Bay or Halkett Bay, however you will have to bring a dinghy and paddle in.
6) Where can I tent?
There are several lovely tenting areas in the forest and in more open areas.
7) Can I come for part of the camp?
This event is all or nothing. We will have additional boats in emergency circumstances but otherwise we expect participants to stay for the duration of the program.
8) Can I bring my dog?
Unless you have an assistance/service animal, animals are not permitted.
9) Is the accommodation wheelchair accessible?
Please contact Karla for more information on the accessibility of the site and facilities. There are many gravel roads and a fair bit of walking between class - Karla could try to accommodate accessibility as much as possible with accommodation choice and class location.
10) I own a cabin on Gambier. Can I just come for the days?
Yes that would be fine. Contact Karla and we would sort out your cost for the camp.
11) I’d like to bring my baby, is that ok?
That could be possible and it might be a little tricky. We could try to sort out an accommodation that would work for you. Please contact Karla and talk through what the days are like and how you could try to make it work for you and your baby.
12) I’d like to bring my 8 year old, is that ok?
At the moment, this camp is geared towards adults and we don’t currently have it set up to work for kids as well (we are working on that for the future)
13) I’d like to know more about what emergency services are available on Gambier. Can you tell me about that?
Fircom is an isolated site however emergency services can be dispatched to site. In case of an emergency medical situation, the patient will be evacuated either by boat or by helicopter.
14) This year seems more expensive than last year. Why is that?
Costs for absolutely everything involved with camp have gone up. In addition to that, we also need to operate camp with reduced capacity this year because of Covid. As a result, we have had to slightly increase costs.
15) Finances are tight. Is there any way I can barter my fee?
There could be some limited possibilities of helping out with camp and reducing some of the fee. Please contact Karla if you have some ideas. There are some bursary funds available!