MY MUSICAL JOURNEY

Hi, I’m Arpana Andres — founder of M.I.S.T Singers' Club.

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I was inspired by artists like Madonna, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, and later by rock and alternative bands like Journey, Whitesnake, Radiohead, Nirvana, and many others that shaped my love for emotional storytelling through music.

Over the years, my musical journey expanded into:
choir singing
classical vocal training
Broadway music
multicultural music
contemporary and inspirational music

I also had opportunities to write and sing a few commercial jingles during my early creative years, which gave me my first experiences working in a recording environment.

Over time, I performed in choirs, community concerts, coffee shops, art events, Christmas productions, senior homes, multicultural performances, and vocal ensembles in both India and Canada.

When Music Became Therapy

In my mid to late 30s,
I went through one of the most difficult and uncertain periods of my life.

Career struggles, financial stress, personal disappointments, and self-doubt slowly made me feel disconnected from myself and from the world around me.

But somehow, with whatever little savings I had left at the time, I continued taking vocal lessons and attending choir rehearsals, concerts, and opera practices.

Looking back now, I realize that music became therapy for me.

The ensemble slowly became my second family.

For the first time in a long time, I no longer felt like a failure or someone who didn’t belong anywhere.

I was part of something joyful, creative, and meaningful.

My teacher, Situ Singh Buehler, became not only a mentor in music, but also a deeply grounding influence in my life during that period.

Through choir rehearsals, performances, friendships, and music itself, I slowly rebuilt confidence and rediscovered parts of myself I thought I had lost.

Music gave me:
expression
connection
healing
belonging
and joy again

That experience eventually became one of the foundations behind M.I.S.T Singers' Club.

Because I know there are many people out there who:

- love music deeply
- secretly want to sing
-miss being creative
-or simply need a positive and encouraging space to reconnect with themselves again

And sometimes, joining a musical community can change far more than just your voice.

What M.I.S.T is Really About

One of the reasons M.I.S.T exists today is because someone once gave me a chance.

Years ago, I wanted to join a church choir even though I had no formal vocal training and could barely follow musical notations.

There were no auditions.

The choir conductor simply welcomed me in.

At first, I mostly observed and learned quietly from the people around me — pianists, experienced singers, soloists, and ensemble members who had years of musical experience.

Little by little, I started understanding harmony, rhythm, blending, confidence, and eventually even reading notations more comfortably.

That small opportunity changed my life more than people realize.

I worked hard on my pieces, became more confident, joined respected vocal ensembles, participated in concerts and productions, and eventually performed solos and duets myself.

And that journey taught me something important:

Not everyone starts with confidence.
Not everyone starts with training.
Not everyone starts feeling “good enough.”

Sometimes people simply need:
encouragement
patience
community
and a safe place to grow

That is the spirit behind M.I.S.T.

This is not about creating celebrities or perfect performers.

It’s about helping ordinary people reconnect with creativity, confidence, expression, and joy through music.

Because you never know how much a simple opportunity can change someone’s life.

What Members Can Expect

M.I.S.T is designed for people who love music — not just experienced performers.

Many people grow up believing they “can’t sing,” when in reality, most people are capable of carrying a tune with a little guidance, listening practice, and confidence-building.

In many cases, people simply haven’t had the opportunity, encouragement, or safe environment to explore their voice without fear or judgment.

That’s why M.I.S.T focuses on growth, encouragement, and enjoyment — not perfection.

Depending on the group and upcoming performances, members may explore:

vocal projection
breathing awareness
stage confidence
basic vocal techniques
harmony and ensemble singing
emotional expression through music

Music styles may include:
pop
rock
Broadway
folk
multicultural music
inspirational songs from different generations and cultures

Members may also have opportunities to:
participate in rehearsals
perform solos or duets
collaborate with other local singers and musicians
participate in future community performances and productions

No professional experience is required.

Just a love for music, openness to learning, and the willingness to grow at your own pace.

Because sometimes the voice people are most afraid to share becomes the one that touches others the most.

The Vision

My long-term vision for M.I.S.T is to create opportunities for ordinary people to experience the joy of music, performance, creativity, and community — regardless of age or experience level.

Over time, this may include:
local singing circles
rehearsals and group collaborations
community performances
multicultural music experiences
creative gatherings
live music events
and opportunities for people to grow in confidence through artistic expression

Music has an incredible ability to bring people together across different backgrounds, cultures, personalities, and life experiences.

And sometimes, simply being part of something creative and joyful can positively change the direction of someone’s life.