Singing, all together!
Conductor Tom Erics created the choir Echo in 2017, named after the Greek nymph Echo. With the success that followed, he also created a vocal group: Yambé (named after the daughter of Echo). To give all his attention to the musical aspect, Yambé and Echo created a board and became a joint association in 2019: Vocal Association VEYA. The choirs combined post-COVID and simply kept the name of the association: VEYA.
Over time, people with all ages and backgrounds have decided to join VEYA. VEYA stands for inclusivity and diversity. We sing songs in all kinds of different genres and different languages.
Conductor
Koos van Eijk, our current conductor:
“It’s a pleasure to work again with the singers of Veya as a conductor. After my studies in choral-conducting and music-education at the Utrecht Conservatory, I have gained experience with a variety of choirs and groups, specializing in contemporary vocal-music.
I enjoy working on improving sound, technique, groove/timing, and interpretation. And of course discovering new music. When all different singers truly come together and their voices blend into one whole, something very beautiful can emerge. Let’s try that at our upcoming rehearsals en concerts.
In addition to conducting, I work as an arranger, teacher and singer-songwriter/composer.”
For more information: www.koosvaneijk.nl
Conductor (2017-2025)
Tom Erics leads our rehearsals and arranges music to specifically fit our choir. To learn more about him, check out his website below!
The Board
The voluntary board and committees make sure that all the technical and formal aspects of the association are taken care of. Currently, the board consists of four people:
Janneke Schrijver – Chair
“I joined the board to contribute to the organisation of this enthusiastic choir. The variation and diversity of the music and the people speak to me. The atmosphere made me feel very welcome from the start. Our conductor makes sure we can alternate between having fun and working on new musical challenges. Veya gives me relaxation and variation next to my family and work.”
Evelien van Bart – Secretary
“Singing is a hobby as well as my job. As a music therapist I sing on a daily basis for and with my clients. It was a logical step for me to join Veya. Our conductor Tom is a passionate musician who knows how to create a nice atmosphere during the rehearsals and the concerts. Veya consists of a beautiful group of people who experience joy from singing together. I am thankful that I can contribute as a board member to keep this choir running.
Sophie Verrijp – Treasurer
“Choir rehearsals are an important part of my week. I love talking with people at the rehearsals and learn more about music. It also helps me wind down after a long day. I think it is very special to see new and old members create something so beautiful with music, and to bring this to people at our concerts. I like being the treasurer and helping out the choir this way.”
Mark Bouwens
“I have been a member of this choir for years, and love making music together and enjoying the social aspect of this vocal society. The highly diverse group of people, and the singing that is both relaxing and challenging, make every rehearsal and every concert that we give a great experience. I joined the board to make sure we can keep doing those things (plus I like the other people in the board, and drinking tea and eating cookies together is no punishment 😉)”
Committees
The board is supported by several committees, consisting of enthusiastic members. Currently, the following committees are active:
Music committee
Together with the conductor, the music committee is responsible for the repertoire and other musical tasks of the choir.
The members of this committee picks a theme for a concert and the repertoire.
Concert committee
Singing as a choir becomes even better when we can share our enthusiasm with others. The concert committee organises small gigs and bigger concerts. This means selecting the type of concerts, finding a location, thinking about dresscodes/decorations, etc.
Financial committee
Our treasurer is responsible for keeping track of our finances and the financial committee supports them with this process. The committee checks the budget every (half) year.
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