Our History

Originally established in 1988, the organization came into being through the work of Ron Pitmen and Keivin Wallace with the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club. With the Club’s funding, a communications group for persons with disabilities was started, promoting confidence in public speaking and making new friends in a fun and social atmosphere. Robert Collings and Wyn McAra were also instrumental to the creation and continuity of the organization.

In 1996, through collaboration with Bill Owen and Ron Sales, the organization added a choir under the direction of Scott Leithead, sharing much of its membership with the public speaking group.  As the choir grew and improved, so did its helpers, expanding from a professional conductor and accompanist to including section leaders from youth and adult choirs in the community, working together with our choristers to sing increasingly complicated and enriching music.

Also around this time, the Braille Tone Music Society partnered with local music instructors and schools to provide private music lessons to adults and children with disabilities.  Students and teachers continue to be matched based on their instrument, age, and level of experience, and students showcase their talents at two recitals per year.

The Semitones Children’s & Youth Choir, which aims to be an integrated and inclusive children’s and youth choir, began in 2014. The Semitones rehearse immediately after Braille Tones with a 15-minute overlap so the two groups can interact and share some pieces together. A number of adult volunteers from the Braille Tones help run this program.

The Uketones Ukulele Choir was added in 2018 as another way for individuals of any age and any ability to join in the music. The Uketones are lead by the Braille Tones’ former Assistant Director, Alexis Hillyard. A number of the Braille Tones’ members have been in the group since its very beginning!

All three groups participate in several performances throughout the year, including a Winter and Spring wind-up, a Fall concert, our own Children’s Concert in February each year, and various community gigs including Korora’s Colours of Spring.