Among the Branches

A Special Project with the Nova Scotia Youth Choir

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the NSYC is re-imagining our program for this year! Instead of our usual concert tour, the NSYC will create an ~25-minute film that combines choral music, poetry, and movement that explores themes of isolation, togetherness, and environmental stewardship. Partnering with Mi'kmaw filmmaker Shelley MacDonald, Mi'kmaw elder Dorene Bernard and Settler conductor Christina Murray, choristers will participate in an Indigenous-led creation process. Rehearsal sessions and audio recording will occur on two weekends in August (August 19th-22nd & August 27th-29th) and the final filming session will take place September 17th-19th.

This special project is open to choristers aged 16-35.

Check out this awesome video all about the NSYC

Christina Murray - Guest Conductor

Christina Murray is the artistic director of Xara Choral Theatre Ensemble and the head of choral studies at Dalhousie University. She approaches her conducting practice through the voice and is known for her innovative programming and her visionary commitment to decolonizing the choral art form.

​Christina holds an honours undergraduate degree in music (voice/conducting) and philosophy from Mount Allison University, has done graduate work in feminist liturgical practices, and has subsequently studied conducting with Diane Loomer, Jon Washburn, Michael Zaugg, and Elise Bradley. Also an active and accomplished choral singer, as a young person she was selected for two tours with the National Youth Choir of Canada and has frequently sung with the Canadian Chamber Choir since  2007.

​Christina served as head of choral studies at Kodaikanal International School in South India from 2002-2004 and has twice served as resident conductor of the Nova Scotia Youth Choir (2005-06 and 2017-18). She is dedicated to the vibrant future (and present!) of choral music in her province and nation.

Registration

Due to this irregular year for the NSYC, in lieu of auditions, any choristers who are new to the NSYC will be asked to provide a choral resume and a reference who can speak to their ability as a chorister. Any choristers who were accepted into NSYC 2020 or other NSYC alumni do not need to supply a reference.

We are currently accepting applications from all voice parts, but there are limited spots available in our soprano and alto sections. As choristers will be accepted on a rolling basis, it is best to get your application in as soon as possible!

Registrations are due by August 13th, 2021.

To register, complete the following Google Form:

REGISTER HERE FOR NSYC 2021

Program Dates & Expectations

• Camp Rehearsal Weekend - August 19 - 22 – United Church Campground, Berwick
  • Thursday Evening Arrival
  • Sunday Evening Departure
• Audio Recording Weekend - August 27 - 29 - First Baptist Church, Halifax
  • Friday Evening Arrival
  • Sunday Evening Departure
• Film Shoot Weekend- September 17 - 19 -  United Church Campground, Berwick
  • Friday Evening Arrival
  • Sunday Evening Departure

*Choristers will be provided with piano learning tracks to assist their music learning. In addition, though this project does have a quick turnaround from first rehearsal weekend to recording weekend, the repertoire list is much shorter than a traditional concert program.

Testimonials - Successful Alumni Speak About the Program

"It has been 3 years since I last sang with the Nova Scotia Youth Choir; however I am still to this day, reaping the benefits of what it provided for me as a young musician, and as a young person. The benefits of the program reach far beyond making fine music with other young, enthusiastic singers. It is an opportunity to develop skills which are essential to the life of a musician, to network with some of the leading figures in the Canadian conducting scene, and to feel inherently more human. The ability to sing well in an ensemble has become a means by which I have been able to support myself financially, and has been hugely beneficial for my performances in opera and musical theatre. The NSYC also presents you with the rare opportunity to work with the most prominent conductors, not just of choirs, but also of orchestras and symphonies. The relationships which I was able to develop with these conductors led to professional engagements with their ensembles, which in turn led to further connections and more work. For me, the Nova Scotia Youth Choir was more than just a choir; it was a program of professional development which just happened to also be a whole lot of fun."

~ Marcel d’Entremont - NSYC & National Youth Choir alumn.
Winner of the 2014 National Music Festival in Voice Performance

“The Nova Scotia Youth Choir provided an enriching musical experience, created wonderful life-long connections, and shaped future endeavors of an entire generation of successful musicians in Nova Scotia. The knowledge and skill demanded of choir members, and the rigorous training, coupled with immensely rewarding performances, nurtures all young musicians in an immensely positive way. The support from the Nova Scotia Choral Federation, the involvement with the Nova Scotia Youth Choir, and the opportunities to seek further national choral experiences (with the National Youth Choir of Canada), were the most influential and important musical experiences of my young life as an aspiring singer.”

~ Dr. Christianne Rushton
Director of the School of Music
Head of Vocal Studies, Acadia University

Important Documents

Will be added here as details are finalized for this year's program!

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.