Welcome to our returning and new members of the NSCF Board. On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at the NSCF AGM we welcomed the following new Board Members: Leslie Ann Andrews, (Sydney) Election; Andrew Cranston (Middleton) Election; Heather Fraser (Bedford) Election; Laura Moore (Halifax) Election; Kevin Parks (Halifax) Election; Kaitlin Wilcox, Halifax
Welcome also to returning Board Members: Tom Black (Halifax) Reelection Jacqueline Chambers (Truro) Reelection Spencer Gough (Halifax) Reelection Wendy LaPierre, President, (Kentville) Completing second year of two year term Laura Beth Smith (Lower Sackville) Reelection Norm Scrimger Past President One Year Term Greg MacCleod, Treasurer, (Dartmouth) Completing second year of two year term Jacqueline Chambers, (Valley), Completing second year of two year term
We would also like to thank departing board members Christopher Bowman and Danielle LeVangie for their years of service!
For more information about our Board Member please visit here.
Dalhousie University’s community choir, Collegium Cantorum, is auditioning for new members for their 2022-23 performance season. The choir is conducted by Gary Ewer, accompanied by collaborative pianist Tara Scott. It’s a mixed-voice choir which performs music from many different genres and styles, including classical, baroque, folksong, from both sacred and secular choral worlds. Rehearsals are 7-9 pm Monday evenings, September through March, at the Dal Arts Centre
Auditions will take place in late August and early September. If you would like to book an audition, or if you would like more information about how you can become a member of Dalhousie Collegium Cantorum, please contact Laurie Ewer at (902) 864-3090, or write ewer.laurie@gmail.com
The Chebucto Community Singers are looking for tenor and bass members. We are returning to regular rehearsals on September 27th 7-9 at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 3311 Ashburn Avenue, Halifax with COVID policies and protocols in place. Masks will not be required but are encouraged; proof of vaccination is required. Our choir has approximately 60 members and has enjoyed 45 years of making music together. We sing a broad range of repertoire from classical to Broadway.
The Choir Director, Louise Grinstead, would like basses and tenors who may be interested in being a member of this choir to come to our registration on September 20, at 7:00 PM for an audition at the above noted rehearsal space. Those auditioning should have experience in choral singing and be fluent sight readers or have a strong ear for music.
For more information on the choir and to register for an audition, please contact Nancy Saunders njsaun61@gmail.com 902-868-1388 or Janet Bardon at janetbardon731@gmail.com 902-429-3915.
Tuesday, August 23, 2022, 6:00 pm, Berwick United Church Camp, 115 Commercial Street, Berwick, NS
(If you are not attending Adult Choir Camp or have not signed up for meals at camp, to include dinner at a cost of $12.00 at 5:00 PM please RSVP to tim@nscf.ca or 902 423-4688)
Election of Officers
Each year the Nominating Committee selects a slate of nominees for their individual skills, expertise and their willingness to devote the time required for committee work and Federation business. The committee also strives for the widest possible provincial representation. If you are interested in nominating someone to our Board of Directors the deadline for nominations is August 9, 2022. The procedure is as follows:
Members will submit motions of nominations any time up to 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. Motions must be made in writing, signed by the mover and the seconder, and delivered to the Federation office. The nominee must deliver signed acceptance by the deadline and provide biographical information suitable for reproduction or distribution to Annual General Meeting delegates.
This is a message from the International Federation for Choral Music:
We are happy to announce that the World Symposium on Choral Music (WSCM), one of the biggest events of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM), will be held in Turkey from 25th to 30th of April 2023 with the support of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The event will be organized by the Turkish representative of IFCM, the Choral Culture Association.
We kindly ask you to share these application calls here below with as many choirs and lecturers of your network. The theme of 2023, “Changing Horizons”, aims to introduce as many singing traditions as possible from across the globe. Sharing these calls in your network and region will help have them represented. Thank you!
Choirs and Vocal Ensembles Apply now!
WSCM 2023 encourages submissions of programs that align with the symposium theme “Changing Horizons“, a theme that we hope will be interpreted freely and with flair, drawing from a broad range of repertoire and styles.
How to Apply:
All application information and materials will be submitted through email. All documents and data must be sent to secretarygeneral@ifcm.net
WSCM 2023 encourages presentation proposals that align with the symposium theme “Changing Horizons“, a theme that we hope embraces the richness of as many singing traditions as possible from across the globe.
How to Apply:
All application information and materials will be submitted through email. All documents and data must be sent to secretarygeneral@ifcm.net
Did you love a concert at Podium 2022 and want to see it again?
Do you want to share it with your choir/singing group and family and friends?
Good news – all 8 Podium 2022 Concerts are now available to view online!
For the first time, Choral Festival concerts were recorded and are now available for virtual concert ticket holders, with viewing access until June 10, 2022.
Each concert sold separately – $10/each (+taxes and fees)
Unison Choruses Canada is a federal not-for-profit organization created to produce the Unison Festival, for 2SLGBTQIA+ choirs, every four years. The festival brings together choirs from across Canada for a non-competitive celebration of choral music in the queer community. This exciting and fun-filled festival is being held in Halifax NS from May 19 to 22, 2023, at the Halifax Convention Centre; and will host over 500 delegates and hundreds of local concert goers.
The Halifax-based Festival Planning Committee is looking for an Event Coordinator. The ideal candidate is an energetic, detail-oriented, and dedicated person who can work both independently and as part of a dynamic team. The Coordinator reports to, and takes direction from, the Festival Co-Chairs; and works in collaboration with the Festival Artistic Directors, the Unison Administrator, and volunteer committees. The Coordinator will organize, promote and execute the concerts, workshops, social events, and other activities that make up the Festival schedule. Key responsibilities include event management and administration, financial coordination, and relationship management with local partners and supporters. In addition, the Coordinator will work in cooperation with team members in marketing communications and volunteer coordination.
DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION
BEFORE THE FESTIVAL
• Work extensively with Integra Planner software in collaboration with Unison Administrator; manage registrations; provide first-level support to choruses and delegates; prepare for in-person registration and delegate badge pick-up
• Manage contracts and coordinate logistical details for Festival venues and event sites, social events, delegate accommodations, delegate services, and hospitality
• Manage contracts and coordinate logistical details for guest artists, accompanists, workshop leaders, guest speakers, other professionals hired for the Festival
• Arrange and manage food and beverage contracts
• Manage logistics such as transportation, parking, schedules, and signage
• Oversee production of passes, tickets, delegate packages, festival programs, and other materials required for the Festival
• Coordinate Festival updates on Unison website
• Provide support as needed to marketing communications and volunteer coordination
• Assist the financial team with developing cost projections
• Provide administrative support to the Festival Planning Committee and subcommittees
• Reports to the Co-Chairs and updates the Festival Planning Committee regularly. Keeps other stakeholders fully informed of Festival preparation progress. Stakeholders may include the Festival Artistic Directors, Unison Administrator, venue managers, volunteers, etc.
• Liaise with Festival Planning Committee members, other Unison personnel, key volunteers, contractors, vendors, and Unison partners
• Maintain records and official documents pertaining to the Festival
• Ensure the Festival follows all applicable standards for health and safety, legal and insurance obligations
• Act as principal liaison with the Halifax Convention Centre (Festival venue)
• Direct the work of an Assistant Coordinator
• Other duties as may be required or assigned
DURING THE FESTIVAL
• Oversee and manage onsite registration, information, and orientation for delegates and contracted staff
• Oversee and manage Festival Store
• Oversee set-up, operation, and take-down for Festival events
• Serve as a point of contact for venue personnel and outside vendors, contractors, and suppliers
• Ensure that the Festival is run according to plan and troubleshoot problems that arise onsite during the Festival
• Assist in the collection of data about Festival event attendance, market impact, and other relevant statistics as determined by the Unison Board of Directors
AFTER THE FESTIVAL
• Manage post-Festival wrap-up of contracts
• Produce a post-Festival report for the Festival Planning Committee and Unison Board of Directors, detailing the activities carried out by the Event Coordinator and documenting lessons learned
• Assist in the collection of feedback from delegates, volunteers, and audience members
• Ensure that all documents relevant to the Festival are transferred to the Unison Administrator
QUALIFICATIONS
• Proven event management experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to both lead and work with others
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, email, etc.) and facility to learn new software quickly, such as the Integra Planning Software
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to identify key issues and creatively and strategically overcome internal and external challenges and obstacles
• Previous experience working with not-for-profit artistic organizations is considered an asset
• Previous experience working with choirs or choral music programs is considered an asset
• English and French bilingualism would be considered an asset
EDUCATION
The successful candidate will have appropriate university or community college education and at least three years of experience in managing similar events.
CONTRACT PERIOD AND COMPENSATION
The contract period is from mid-August 2022 to early June 2023, and will not exceed 500 hours. Months leading in to the Festival will ramp up as needed with more hours required as the event draws near. During the Festival itself, the time commitment will be at least 12 hours per day. The Coordinator is required to be available and onsite for the duration of the Festival (May 19 to May 22, 2023). During the lead-up, the Coordinator must be available to accommodate evening and weekend activities such as Planning Committee Meetings and Unison events. The Coordinator is responsible for providing their own workspace and basic computer equipment. A valid driver’s licence and access to a personal vehicle is required for the position. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Expenses will be reimbursed as per Unison policy.
TO APPLY
Submit letter of application and resume to positions@unisonfestivalunisson.ca by 4:30 pm on June 17, 2022. Letter should include a clear statement of contract fee expectation. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Unison Choruses Canada values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Diversity for us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We value new perspectives, original ideas, and individuals who support this same commitment. We strongly encourage members from the Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disability, refugee and newcomer communities to express interest in the position.
The Unison Festival will take place within Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship”. We acknowledge and honour the Mi’kmaq people who have cared for and continue to care for this land. Unison Chorus Canada is continuing to learn and evolve, to walk together with the many Indigenous nations of Canada in the preservation and celebration of cultural traditions.
Unison Choruses Canada is a federal not-for-profit organization created to produce the Unison Festival, for 2SLGBTQIA+ choirs, every four years. The festival brings together choirs from across Canada for a non-competitive celebration of choral music in the queer community. This exciting and fun-filled festival is being held in Halifax NS from May 19 to 22, 2023, at the Halifax Convention Centre, and will host over 500 delegates and hundreds of local concert-goers.
The Halifax-based Festival Planning Committee is looking for a Fundraising Coordinator.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Unison Choruses Canada is looking for an outgoing, determined, and energetic individual with a proven track record in event-based sponsorship and funding. The Coordinator reports to, and
takes direction from, the Festival Co-Chairs and works in collaboration with the Finance & Fundraising Committee, Festival Artistic Directors, the Unison Administrator, and volunteer
committees. The key responsibility of the Fundraising Coordinator will be to secure financial support through cash and in-kind sponsorships, donations, and grants for the festival as components of overall festival income generation.
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
• Work with the Festival Planning Committee and the Finance & Fundraising Committee to source, nurture and expand relationships with the community and with corporate partners
• Seek out and apply for grants from all possible sources
• Develop a timeline of income target achievement
• Implement, maintain, and add to, the Unison Sponsorship Framework
• Secure and implement all cash and in-kind sponsorships for the festival, including local media sponsorships
• Achieve the fundraising goal of $52.5K to $72.5K by April 30, 2023
• Prepare sponsorship agreements for approval by the Finance & Fundraising Committee
• Ensure all sponsorships are implemented and fulfilled as per the terms of the agreements
• Ensure all sponsorship materials are received by Unison by April 30, 2023
• Maintain oversight of sponsorship activities including, but not limited to, tracking proposals, agreements, activation schedules, delivery of sponsor materials, shot lists for event days and reporting to meet obligations as prescribed in specific sponsorship agreements
• Attend Festival and Fundraising Committee meetings and make progress reports
• Contribute to post-Festival reporting, knowledge development and future sponsorship capacity by detailing the activities carried out and documenting lessons learned
• Share and celebrate the values of Unison Festival 2023 to cultivate new sponsors that align with organizational values, through the development of a strong message and compelling narrative about the festival’s purpose and need, in print and online
• Other duties as may arise throughout the contract term
QUALIFICATIONS
• Demonstrated track record of fund development in the not-for-profit sector
• Experience with event-based sponsorship generation
• Experience in the Arts sector is an asset
• Demonstrated success in sourcing and creating sponsorship relationships in support of organizational goals and values
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial and communication skills
• Membership in a Fundraising body is considered an asset, but not required
EDUCATION
The successful candidate will have appropriate education and at least three years of experience in sponsorship-related revenue generation and engagement, donations, and grants
CONTRACT PERIOD AND COMPENSATION
Term of work will be from mid-August through to early June 2023 and will include a final wrap up report to the Finance & Fundraising Committee after the Festival. The position is a part-time contract with a total remuneration package of $8,000 to be paid in equal monthly payments.
Additionally, a cash bonus of up to $2,500 is available as follows:
• When the minimum fundraising goal of $52.5K is achieved from all sources, a $1,500 cash bonus will be paid.
• If the fundraising achievement reaches $60K+, an additional $1,000 cash bonus will be paid.
TO APPLY
Submit letter of application and resume to Positions@unisonfestivalunisson.ca by 4:30 pm on June 17, 2022. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Unison Choruses Canada values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Diversity for us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We value new perspectives, original ideas, and individuals who support this same commitment. We strongly encourage members from the Indigenous, Black, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, persons with disability, refugee and newcomer communities to express interest in the position.
The Unison Festival will take place within Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship”. We acknowledge and honour the Mi’kmaq people who have cared for and continue to care for this land. Unison Chorus Canada is continuing to learn and evolve, to walk together with the many Indigenous nations of Canada in the preservation and celebration of cultural traditions.
There are times in life when we can really make a difference.
This is one of those times.
There is an internationally renowned Children’s Choir in Kyiv and they need our help. Not financially – musically.
They recorded two pieces of music just before the war in Ukraine and they sent these pieces last week to Saul Zaks, who taught us MISATANGO. Saul immediately called us to see if we can help to spread this beautiful music to the world. On your behalf, I said we would do everything within our power to help.
Please read our webpage, listen to the two tracks and pass on the link to as many people as you can.
The Children’s Choir In The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is looking for choir members. This is an exciting opportunity for children in grades 4, 5, 6, and 7. Singers should be fast learners, responsible, love to sing, and follow directions. Choir experience is an asset.
The choir rehearsals begin in May on Sunday evenings as well as the first two Sundays in June. The intensity and frequency of rehearsals, once in the Scotiabank Centre, begins near the middle of June.
Here’s an early rough draft of the rehearsal schedule at the Scotiabank Centre:
June 14 –17 – Evening rehearsals beginning at 1900 hrs
June 18 – 19 – Some day and evening rehearsals
June 20 – 22 – Evening rehearsals beginning at 1900 hrs
June23 – Student Matinee (first dress rehearsal) – begins at 10:00 am
June24 – Second Dress rehearsal (Could be afternoon or evening)
June 25 – Preview show 19:00 – 22:00
June 26 – Matinee show, 14:00
June 27 – 30 – Evening performances 19:00 – 22:00
July 1 – 2 – Matinee shows 14:00.
Some things to consider for student performers
Fast learners, responsible, love to sing, follows directions
memorization of all music is required.
there will be no social distancing on the stage.
while performing, we will not be wearing masks
we move quickly in the dark while loading and unloading the set
Additional information
costume parts are provided, white dress socks and black dress shoes are not.
Choir members will receive
two complimentary tickets to the Preview show
a cast T-Shirt
This information is meant to be helpful for any prospective choral singers.
To schedule an audition please contact the Tattoo Office at: info@nstattoo.ca and mention Children’s Choir in the subject box.
The choir rehearsals begin in May on Sunday evenings as well as the first two Sundays in June. The intensity and frequency of rehearsals, once in the Scotiabank Centre, begins near the middle of June.
Here’s an early rough draft of the rehearsal schedule at the Scotiabank Centre:
June 14 –17 – Evening rehearsals beginning at 1900 hrs
June 18 – 19 – Some day and evening rehearsals
June 20 – 22 – Evening rehearsals beginning at 1900 hrs
June23 – Student Matinee (first dress rehearsal) – begins at 10:00 am
June24 – Second Dress rehearsal (Could be afternoon or evening)
June 25 – Preview show 19:00 – 22:00
June 26 – Matinee show, 14:00
June 27 – 30 – Evening performances 19:00 – 22:00
July 1 – 2 – Matinee shows 14:00.
Some things to consider for student performers
Fast learners, responsible, love to sing, follows directions
memorization of all music is required.
there will be no social distancing on the stage.
while performing, we will not be wearing masks
we move quickly in the dark while loading and unloading the set
Additional information
costume parts are provided, white dress socks and black dress shoes are not.
Choir members will receive
two complimentary tickets to the Preview show
a cast T-Shirt
This information is meant to be helpful for any prospective choral singers.
To schedule an audition please contact the Tattoo Office at: info@nstattoo.ca and mention Children’s Choir in the subject box.
Choirs and Vocal Ensembles
There are times in life when we can really make a difference.
The Children’s Choir In The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is looking for choir members. This is an exciting opportunity for children in grades 4, 5, 6, and 7. Singers should be fast learners, responsible, love to sing, and follow directions. Choir experience is an asset.