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National Survey for Choirs – Canada Council for the Arts

Choir/Choruses/Singing Groups/Composers Survey

Strengths, Challenges and New Opportunities

This survey is part of a project designed to determine the major challenges choirs, choruses, singing groups and composers are currently facing, as well as to help identify what gaps there are in choir programming and governance. This survey will also provide some preliminary insight into what new opportunities are available and what toolkits are needed to help meet these challenges.

Choirs at all levels and composers across the country are seeing new opportunities in exploring the creation and use of new and shared digital content and resources. (This does NOT include unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material.)This survey and project will help inform decision making and provide strategic guidance to allow for a quick and successful transition to our “new normal”. 

National and provincial choral organizations, artists, composers, schools, and various arts organizations across Canada will be invited to complete this survey which asks questions about “Digital Offerings”, in particular during COVID.  Questions on topics such as: What digital tactics have been used? How have they been monetized, if at all?  How and with whom have these been shared? Have they resulted in changes in audience connections? What financial and human resource barriers have you encountered?

There are new resources needed to increase the digital literacy of choral organizations.  This could take the form of “toolkits” or a national database to help organize access to current and future content. The hope is that these resources will help leverage digital technologies to inform innovative programming, new ways of marketing and funding, and a transformation of audience engagement as they return to live performances. Your collaboration through the completion of this survey will greatly assist in helping the choral and other arts sectors towards understanding these goals.

Some questions are designed for singing organizations to answer and some are more generic and can be answered by both choirs and independent composers. Composers associated with singing organizations can of course answer all questions. Independent composers not associated with a specific organization will be directed to certain parts of the survey.

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes of your time. As a token of appreciation for your time, after completing the survey you can enter into a draw to win one of the prizes: 

– A gift certificate for $100 from Cypress Music Publishers 

– A $50 gift certificate from Long and McQuade

Deadline: Wed. November 9, 2022 

Complete the survey today!  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8MH7MYJ

If you have any questions, or if you experience any technical issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at: Victoria Glizer at info@cpamo.org or charles c. smith at executive@cpamo.org.

This project is supported with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts. 

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Love birthdays? Share your ideas for a smashing 50th year for NSCF by July 1!

Hello NSCF Community!

The 2026-27 season is a big year and it will be here before you know it! We’re starting to put together ideas of special projects and events that we’d like to take on in celebration of the 50th Anniversary. WE WOULD LOVE YOUR INPUT!

Dream Big! If you could have anything as part of this season what would it be? Think events, music, composers, initiatives, schools, special projects or programs, workshops, guest groups, concerts… things that touch everyone over the course of the year! How can we come together to connect us all, raise our voices together across the province, to celebrate our art form, advocate and raise awareness, and grow our community?

Our Artistic Steering committee will be meeting soon to brainstorm, discuss all the ideas and narrow it down into a season that is manageable for the office to take on… with the help of our incredible volunteers!
Click below to fill out the form to share your ideas – please complete by JULY 1!
Click Here to Share Your Ideas!

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Call for Nominations – NSCF Board of Directors!

The Nova Scotia Choral Federation (NSCF) is welcoming nominations for candidates to join the volunteer Board of Directors. This is an exciting opportunity for dedicated and visionary individuals to work with Executive Director Heather Fraser and the Board to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the organization and positively impact the choral community in Nova Scotia.

The Board provides oversight on the organization’s activities and Directors share a duty of care, loyalty and dedication to the organization. Board members attend regular meetings (4-6 meetings a year), advise NSCF staff on key activities, and serve on committees and working groups as needed to ensure the organization is performing its mission and achieving its goals.

Board members are elected at the Annual General Meeting in August and shall serve for a term of two (2) years, with a potential to serve up to three terms consecutively.

We invite all members, and community partners to nominate qualified candidates who demonstrate a commitment to our mission, values, and goals. Nominees should have experience in leadership roles, possess strong decision-making capabilities, and be able to contribute to the diverse perspectives and expertise of the Board. The Nominating Committee welcomes applications from all backgrounds and experiences. We are looking for people with interest and/or experience in:

  • Business/Accounting
  • Communications and Marketing
  • Fundraising and Business Development
  • Event Planning and Volunteer Engagement
  • Non-for-profit management, program evaluation and strategic planning
  • Music Education and School Singing
  • University Age – Student Representative

HOW TO NOMINATE!

To nominate a candidate (another individual or yourself), please submit the following information on our online nomination form

  • Nominee’s Full Name and Contact Information
  • Nominee’s Professional Background and Qualifications
  • A Brief Statement (300-500 words) on Why the Nominee Would Be a Valuable Addition to the Board

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, July 6, 2025. Selection Process: The Nominating Committee will review all submissions and select a slate of candidates based on the eligibility criteria and the strategic needs of the Board. Selected candidates will be contacted before the final decision is made. For any questions regarding the nomination process, please contact Troy Nixon, Chair, Nominating Committee, NSCF, at troy_nixon@hotmail.com.

Nomination Form

Thank you for your participation and support.

Sincerely,
Troy Nixon
Chair, Nominations Committee, NSCF Board of Directors

By NSCFMGR e-notes • Front Page • Singers Wanted 0 Comments

Second Chances Singers – Tenors and Basses Wanted!

Tenors and basses are you looking for a place to sing? We are an ensemble with no experience requirements. The Singers are a “pop” choir working in a wide range of styles .  In 2025 – 2026 we will present a holiday concert in December and a “British Invasion” concert in May.

Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Halifax Campus Northwood on Gottingen Street in Halifax.  For more information please contact Chuck Homewood our Conductor at chomewood@hotmail.com. Please reference Second Chances Singers in your email subject line.
https://www.secondchancesband-ns.com/

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Songs of the Sea – Capella Regalis Choirs


Capella Regalis Choirs releases Songs of the Sea CD

Journey with the choir as they explore their rich musical heritage as Maritimers! This new album features Capella Regalis Men & Boys Choirs performing works inspired by the sea including fresh arrangements by Paul Halley and Nick Halley for choir, piano, organ, percussion, and other instruments. Recorded by John D. S. Adams / Stonehouse Sound, the physical album boasts a gorgeous CD booklet complete with historic photos from the Nova Scotia Archives and liner notes by Vanessa Halley. The physical CD is available at capellaregalis.com, and the digital release will soon be available from all major online music platforms. 

By NSCFMGR e-notes • Front Page • Job Postings • Professional Development 0 Comments

Apprentice Conductor Opportunity, National Youth Choir of Canada

Conducting opportunity with the NYCC
Are you an emerging choral conductor under 35, ready to learn, lead, and be inspired? Or maybe you know someone who would fit the bill? The National Youth Choir of Canada is searching for its next Apprentice Conductor.

The 2026 program will take place in British Columbia and will culminate with a tour of the province, ending with the NYCC concert presented during the Podium Conference and Festival in Victoria (May 14-17, 2026). The 2026 choir will be under the direction of Dr. Julia Davids, who was the NYCC’s first-ever Apprentice Conductor!
“There is no other opportunity in the country as intensive and hands-on that gives young conductors the chance to work on all aspects of their conducting and rehearsal techniques. This program promotes an immersive, collaborative and supportive space that makes it an ideal learning environment for any conductor planning to work in community, youth and/or professional ensembles. 
Having the opportunity to conduct the NYCC at PODIUM 2024 definitely gave me the chance to connect with a professional community of conductors and choirs from across the country. I’ll be forever grateful for all the things I’ve gained and learned from this experience and will continue to share and live this everywhere I go.”— Kitbielle Pasagui, 2024 Apprentice Conductor
Application deadline: June 2, 2025
Program length: May 3-17, 2026
Details and application: nycc.ca/2026-apprentice-conductor
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Sing it Loud and Let Your Support Resonate! Get your tickets for the first NSCF 50/50 Cash Raffle Fundraiser for Choirs Across Nova Scotia!

Join the Nova Scotia Choral Federation’s first ever Rafflebox 50/50 fundraiser! Here’s your chance to hit the high notes for singing and choirs across the province while potentially winning big. With half the pot going to one lucky winner and the other half fueling the future of choral singing, it’s a win-win that will have you singing with joy!  

This is a sound investment in our artistic communities! Whether you’re a seasoned chorister or a community supporter, your contribution will help fund programs that empower singers of all ages, nurture vocal talents, build confidence, and create unforgettable musical experiences. You can choose to support the NSCF or any singing organization on the dropdown list, or have your contribution divided equally amongst all.  

Together, we can ensure that the magic of choral music continues to resonate throughout Nova Scotia. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly note-worthy! Purchase your raffle tickets today and help us strike a chord for music education and community choirs. Join the chorus of supporters and let’s make beautiful music together – because when we all come together, our voices are stronger and our communities shine brighter!

So, raise your voice and your chances to win! Let’s help keep the spirit of song alive in every corner of the province! Thank you for your support!

The winner will be contacted to claim their prize.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
By NSCFMGR e-notes • Front Page • Professional Development • Singers Wanted 0 Comments

National Youth Choir of Canada 2026 – Auditions are OPEN

Auditions are now OPEN for the 2026 NYCC!

The National Youth Choir of Canada (NYCC) is a project of Choral Canada and is one of Canada’s finest youth choirs. The 2026 program will run from May 3-16, 2026 and we are looking for choral singers ages 19-26 to participate in this one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity.

The choir will be led by Guest Conductor Dr. Julia Davids, with a rehearsal residency and tour throughout British Columbia, ending in Victoria for a final performance at PODIUM 2026.

Video submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2025. Visit the website below to learn more about the audition process and to access the guidelines and application form.

To review the application details visit: https://www.nycc.ca/auditions-2026.html

Please share this news with your colleagues and networks, young singers, students, and anyone else who might be interested in this opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact programs@choralcanada.org.