Jocelyn Pritchard, a gifted pianist, organist, accompanist, conductor and teacher, and founder of JVE, died peacefully on July 26 surrounded by family and friends.
One of her greatest talents was to pull musicians and choral composers together to generate exciting musical events and long-standing friendships. She organized numerous choral symposia and weekend workshops for up to 180 singers from across BC to learn from renowned international choral composers and conductors, with full concerts presented on the Sunday. Some of us in Jubilate were fortunate to have participated in these tremendous events.
It was this same entrepreneurial spirit which led to our beginning at JVE, as she invited members from her various musical communities to sing together – creating joy and friendships along the way. Initially gathering on an ad hoc basis under the name Ad Hoc Singers, the group was renamed Jubilate! In 1994 to reflect the joy and celebration in making music together.
Upon her announcement in 1999 that she would cease leading the group, the singers decided to continue on their own – initially as a legal non-profit society and eventually as a registered charity, with a final name change to Jubilate Vocal Ensemble (JVE) in 2014.
Jocelyn always had a ‘can-do’ spirit and demonstrated her witty sense of humour and impressive composure through even the most challenging circumstances. She also had a special fondness for Canadian compositions.
Always our spiritual mentor, trusted advisor and sideline coach, Jocelyn would return to also serve a year as choir President from 2010-2011. She attended almost all our concerts until 2024.
Most of all she was loved, and will be greatly missed.