Our story

Our group was born out of a conversation between Anna and Jessica (aka Raven) who were continents apart at the time, but shared a desire to sing music beyond their choral repertoire. They both gathered their friends Joey, Shenette and Aldin to try their hands at arranging and singing pop and contemporary music.

We invited Alyssa and Elizer to round out the sound, increase the energy and add some fun beatboxing to the mix. Finally, bringing his background in music, our artistic director Jono completed the octet.

Our group sat on the floor of Jessica's basement trying to figure out a name. After playing around with variations of the number “8”, Jessica yelled “8Wings!” It was a unanimous and enthusiastic decision. 8Wings Vocal Ensemble then dedicated each Sunday to rehearsing at the Francia family’s kitchen, where it transformed into a world of friendship, creativity, laughter, vulnerability and musicality.

A Holiday Showcase by 8Wings Vocal Ensemble

We hosted our very own self-funded and produced show in the humble Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House with a sold out showcase attended by friends, family and local supporters. It was truly the beginning of a musical experience that took flight.

“Once Upon a Dream” Disney Concert

This concert at the PNE Hastings Room transported our audience back to their childhood with unforgettable soundtracks from revered Disney movies.

“The Climb” Fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society

In collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, we hosted a benefit concert that aimed to showcase uplifting music. Jono arranged and debuted “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.

This concert also featured guest artists Andrew Yang (pianist) and Corymae Omega (musical artist).

"A Cozy Christmas" Concert

We transformed the Hastings Room into our own decorated, warmly-lit, tinsel-tinged home.

This concert included full-on audience engagement, including games and a 50/50 lottery! Our very own Shawn Salgadoe was asked to sing with the group as well as a special guest.

Jono also debuted his new arrangement of “Last Christmas”.

The Bloom Group's "Yule Duel" Fundraising Carolling Competition

Our group was invited by the non-profit organization The Bloom Group for the first Yule Duel in Gastown, where we placed as semi-finalists!

First YouTube Cover: "Were You There" - Rajaton

We filmed a YouTube cover of Rajaton’s “Were You There” for the Easter season.

8Wings & Friends appears on Global TV

The Bloom Group, asked 8Wings to help promote the upcoming carolling for a cause fundraiser by appearing on Global TV's morning news segment.

Our group reached out to their talented friends to come join us on TV and to compete again in Yule Duel.

Our second appearance at "Yule Duel"

Back on the Yule Duel stage in Gastown, the vocal ensemble claimed the title of “Best Vocal Performance” with Jono Lee’s arrangement of “Last Christmas!”

The official expansion - Wings Vocal Collective

‍We started off the New Year with an exciting project that included the first official expansion and rebrand from 8Wings Vocal Ensemble to Wings Vocal Collective with a brand-new logo (designed by our own Julian Pang) and name rebrand.

Our expanded ensemble worked hard every week to arrange, sing, dance, and perform the “Rise” Medley, which was used for our video audition for the very first International Championship of A Cappella Open (think “Pitch Perfect,” but in real life!).

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International Competition A Cappella Open

We traveled to Tacoma to compete as semifinalists as the only Canadian group that advanced in the first ever International Competition of A Cappella Open! We performed our hearts out during the "Rise" medley.

Community Collaborations

To close off the year, we were invited to perform with CW Music, a local music studio, and we were also hired to sing for WestJet’s annual Christmas Miracle Campaign.

Time to Shine Gala - VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

We were invited as guest performers to entertain potential donors for innovations in medical technology.

One World One Song - BC Boys Choir

Edette Gagne, a former teacher to some of our members, graciously invited our group to participate at the Annual North Shore Showcase.

Night of a Thousand Stars Gala - VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

We were fortunate enough to be invited again by the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to film a music video and perform uplifting and inspirational music including a vocal arrangement of "You Will Be Found" from the musical Dear Evan Hansen.

St. Andrew’s “This Christmas” Fundraiser Concert

As many of our members are alumni of St. Andrew's Elementary School, it was a privilege to give back to the community and dedicate a fundraising concert for the building of the new elementary school.

Penticton Retreat

On the May long weekend, many of our members rang in the summer heat at a “WVC Group Retreat” in Penticton, which included a fun and stress-free long-weekend, on the Okanagan lakeside and visiting the local wineries.

We were also invited to do an impromptu performance of Rajaton's Butterfly at one of the wineries.

Anxiety Canada Fundraiser

Anxiety Canada also asked WVC to perform at the launch celebration of their Mindshift CBT App, designed by our own Joey Laguio. We were especially privileged to perform at an event that raised mental health awareness and attention to resources for Canadians living with those challenges.

Rebranding

2019 ushered in a rebranding to what is now our current logo. Our very own Design Lead, Matthew Fong, captured who we are as a group, while also paying tribute to the past with the winged-eighth note representing our musical ambitions taking flight and taking our audiences through a truly transcendent experience.

"Come Winter" Concert

Through carefully curated pieces performed on stage, each holding a heavy sentiment and meaning to our members, "Come Winter" showcased the fully expanded vocal ensemble beautifully. Jono also got to artistically debut his own song, also titled “Come Winter” - the centrepiece of this concert.

A&W Commercial

In the summer of 2022, we starred in our own commercial in partnership with A&W. Our viral “$3.99 Limited Time” for Teen Burgers commercial was playing on every TV, computer, and phone screen once it launched!

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"No Place Like Home" Gala - Burnaby Hospital Foundation

Burnaby Hospital Foundation reached out to us to perform at their “No Place Like Home” Gala, where we performed more uplifting hits to help raise more than $480,000 for the expansion of Burnaby Hospital.

Mabuhay 2024 - PhilCas of BC Showcase

PhilCas of BC invited the group to be part of their year-end showcase, called “Mabuhay 2023” - a culmination of traditional Filipino dancing and music derived from the country’s cultural tapestry.

"Alumina" - 10-Year Anniversary Concert

Our 10-year anniversary concert features members from all different eras of WVC to celebrate our growth over the past decade.

ALUMINA celebrates the concept of the past meeting the present, and the intertwining stories and achievements of our community.

Looking back at our origins of our humble octet and our journey towards expanding into their current “collective” of singers with unique backgrounds and talents, we are excited to revisit music and memories over the past decade with the audience.