As part of our preparations for our 20th anniversary weekend (June 4-5, 2016), we present a small series of alumni profiles, celebrating the profound and enduring role Kokopelli plays in the lives of many of its choristers.

Keith Rempel
Kokopelli member 03/04–Dec. 2006’
Nuf Sed member03/04–04/05
TIME bassist 03/04–10/11

When I first moved to Edmonton in 2003, Kokopelli and the TIME Association jazz choirs became a huge part of my life. It was my first time living on my own, but the open and supportive nature of the Kokopelli community made the transition much easier. Within a few months I made several lifelong friends. Choir parents regularly offered me rides, home-cooked meals, and in some cases a temporary home.

The lessons I learned in Kokopelli have been invaluable to my career as a freelance bassist. The vocal instruction offered by the choir helped me become a better harmony singer. This has been a great asset to me in a number of bands. In addition to vocal technique, my time in Kokopelli taught me a lot about acceptance and working with others.

I still live in Edmonton, making my living as a professional musician. I play a wide variety of music, including jazz, Latin, and folk. Music has taken me everywhere from Santiago, Chile, to Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. It has given me the means to support myself in a career that I love.

Without the encouragement of Scott Leithead and the Kokopelli/TIME choir community I may never have made the life-altering decision to study music at Grant MacEwan. I am forever grateful for my good memories and enduring friendships rooted in the Kokopelli organization.