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Choral Canada: Register for PODIUM 2022 today!

PODIUM is Choral Canada’s national biennial bilingual choral conference and festival. This multi-day celebration brings together participants from across the country and beyond who are passionate about group singing. PODIUM 2022 is our opportunity to gather with friends new and old in Toronto, one of the world’s most multicultural and exciting cities.

Together, we will explore the theme of “Reimagine, Rebuild, Reconnect”. With the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic and the strengthening of collective calls for equity and justice, we have the powerful opportunity to reimagine the possibilities of our choral community. We can build together, with an inspired and intentional purpose, and we can nourish and expand connections throughout our broader singing community. By sharing performances and ideas, and creating space for curiosity, listening, reflection, and dialogue, PODIUM 2022 aims to inspire all who thrill at the sound of voices joined together in song

PODIUM 2022 will be held in Toronto, May 19-23. The event will be held for the first time in a hybrid format, expanding options for participation by supporting both in-person and virtual attendees. The five-day schedule will combine performers and presenters from PODIUM 2020 and new voices for PODIUM 2022, yet another way that this will be a PODIUM like no other as the choral community reimagines, rebuilds and reconnects.

Register Today!

For more information, visit https://www.podium2022.ca/index.html

By NSCFMGR e-notes • Front Page • Job Postings • Member Blog 0 Comments

JOB OPPORTUNITY – Bookkeeper Contract Position

The Nova Scotia Choral Federation is located 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. The Nova Scotia Choral Federation is continuing to learn and evolve, to walk together with Mi’kmaq peoples in the preservation and celebration of cultural traditions.

The Nova Scotia Choral Federation is the provincially recognized organization whose mandate is to encourage, promote, celebrate and advocate for choral music in Nova Scotia.  We provide programs and services for the choral community and manage our Choral Library which is available as a member benefit.

Nova Scotia Choral Federation is seeking to hire a motivated, experienced individual to oversee and coordinate the bookkeeping and overall accounting services for the organization.

 Are you an experienced Bookkeeper/ Accounting professional interested in working in the creative sector?

This position will:

  • Maintain and balance the general ledger in an accurate, complete, and up-to-date manner
  • Perform all activities related to the accounts payable function including reviewing, coding, and processing payments
  • Perform account receivable functions including invoicing, deposits, conduct reconciliation of all accounts on an as needed basis
  • This position will perform payroll functions in an accurate and timely manner, and submit payroll taxes as necessary
  • Issuing T4’s and T4A’s as required annually before February 28th and submit HST returns as required
  • Prepare financial reports through collection, analysis, and summarization of data
  • Compile financial information and reporting required for grant reporting, including regular financial reports to funders.
  • Provide all information to auditor annually as needed
  • Recording all year-end entries  in Accounting software as per auditor
  • Work closely with the Executive Director to prepare regular financial reports, and analysis of related statistics to support organizational reporting and decision making.
  • Interpret and apply accounting policies, rules, and regulations to all work in order to ensure compliance with applicable standards

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent related experience and training
  • 3-5 years’ experience working in accounting and bookkeeping
  • Experience working with not-for-profit organizations
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of GAAP
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient skills in Simple Accounting/SAGE 50, Microsoft Excel
  • Experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and general leger
  • High degree of accuracy and attention to detail

WORKING ARRANGEMENT

This position offers flexible hours, with a hybrid remote/work from home arrangement (COVID dependent).
Occasional attendance at meetings to assist in providing financial reports and information. (Infrequently)

COMPENSATION

$20-$35/hour  To be determined based on qualifications and experience
Total hours per week are estimated between 8-10 hrs.

TERM This is a contract position.

CLOSING DATE February 14, 2022

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their cover letter and resume as a single document to tim@nscf.ca Please send with Bookkeeper in the subject line.
We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

By NSCFMGR e-notes • Front Page • Member Blog 0 Comments

VOICE YOUR CONCERNS

As you know, singing and wind instrument playing are fully banned in our Nova Scotia schools, but did you know that students are allowed to participate in physical education classes unmasked, without gathering limits. It is vital that students have access to music programs, including singing in school and significant research has proven it can be done safely. The impact of the bans that have been imposed off and on throughout the pandemic will be long lasting and we need to see this policy reversed for the sake of our students.

Quick background:

We are asking you to lend your voice to these efforts. We know you’re busy, so we’ve created a template for you to use below. If you would like to add personal details or experiences, please feel free.

Music is not an extra. Music is a core component of our education system. This need is urgent. Please take a moment from your day to make a difference in Nova Scotia schools. You represent students whose lives have been forever changed by music and your voice really CAN make a difference.

A message from the Nova Scotia Music Education Council – NSMEC:
In Nova Scotia schools, children aren’t allowed to sing their ABCs, bands and choirs cannot practice let alone perform, and students are missing the safe place music making provides in school. Singing and playing wind instruments are banned for all students.
Visit the Nova Scotia Choral Federation’s website for a ready-to-go template you can use to speak up for Nova Scotia students: https://bit.ly/3r5HIkx
Speak up for music education in Nova Scotia!
Please use the letter template below to speak out for Nova Scotia students and send to ALL contacts listed at the bottom.I am a parent of children attending Nova Scotia schools. I am emailing to oppose the current ban on singing and wind instrument playing in school. My children, like many others, rely on access to music education in schools. It is a vital part of our public education system and singing and playing are necessary for students to experience music making.

Nova Scotia students are in school because it is the best place for their well being. Our children rely on music making in school for their mental health and well being. This ban on singing and playing is negatively impacting Nova Scotia students and music programs, and these impacts will be long lasting.

I have heard interviews and read Letters to the Editor outlining the inequity in school policies for music students and I agree: students should be allowed to sing and play in school, especially considering that students are able to participate in physical education class without any gathering limit and without masks.

I have read the open letter sent to you and other government elected officials and employees on January 10, 2022 by national and provincial organizations, including the Nova Scotia Band Association and Nova Scotia Choral Federation. The letter cites current research and outlines the many reasons singing and playing can and should be allowed in schools. I encourage you to review its contents and ensure students are able to return to music making through singing and playing in our schools.

I request a personal reply to my email on this very serious matter.

Name

SEND TO:

educmin@novascotia.ca,Educ-DM@novascotia.ca,steve.machat@novascotia.ca,chris.boulter@novascotia.ca,ardith.haley@novascotia.ca, pwozney@staff.nstu.ca, sbrooks@staff.nstu.ca, jmacnutt@nstu.ca, Health.Minister@novascotia.ca, jeannine.lagasse@novascotia.ca, Robert.Strang@novascotia.ca, Kelly.Dean@novascotia.ca, Vanessa.Chouinard@novascotia.ca, PREMIER@novascotia.ca

Who else do I contact?

Below you will find recommendations for the most effective avenues of communication in order to have your concerns addressed. The NSCF and NSMEC thank you for your support on behalf of all Nova Scotia choral community – we are stronger together.

AND YOUR LOCAL REGIONAL CENTRE CONTACTS:

Regional Centres for Education Avenues of Communication:

Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education executivedirector@avrce.ca, pat.murphy@avrce.ca, maria.carty@avrce.ca
Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education susankelley@cbvrce.ca, lcrawford@cbvrce.ca, murquhart@cbvrce.ca, andrewla@cbvrce.ca
Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education adamsgs@ccrce.ca, callaghana@ccrce.ca, duguays@ccrce.ca
Halifax Regional Centre for Education eleroux@hrce.ca, aking@hrce.ca, jchaulk@hrce.ca, pdanyluk@hrce.ca, MBreen@hrce.ca
South Shore Regional Centre for Education pash@ssrce.ca, jdewolfe@ssrce.ca, bwoodfordcollins@ssrce.ca
Strait Regional Centre for Education cheryl.macpherson@srce.ca, paul.landry@srce.ca, darrell.leblanc@srce.ca, wanda.fougere@srce.ca
Tri-County Regional Centre for Education jared.purdy@tcrce.ca

It is recommended that you voice your concerns to your regional representatives in the following sequence:

Fellow Parents (Music/Band Auxiliary, Home & School, School Advisory Co
Local School Principal
Local Family of Schools Supervisor
Regional Program Coordinator
Regional System Supervisor
Regional Executive Director of Education

You can find contact more information for your Regional Centre for Education here.

Political Avenues of Communication:
Minister and Deputy Minister of Education – Contact Information
Opposition Parties’ Education Critic – Liberal,  New Democratic Party
Local Member of the Legislative Assembly – Find your MLA

For concerns related to community choral programs the NSCF recommends contacting the following public officials:
Local Municipal Councillor
Local Municipal Chief Administrative Officer
Local Municipal Department of Recreation and Culture
Local Mayor

You can find contact information for your local municipality here.
Local Member of the Legislative Assembly – Find your MLA
Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage – Contact

FOLLOW and SHARE Nova Scotia Choral Federation with your friends and followers. Spread the word that #MusicMatters!!

By NSCFMGR e-notes • Front Page 0 Comments

The Robbie Songs Project: 19 Titles Now Available through Cypress Choral Music!

Over the past few years, the Nova Scotia Choral Federation has been busy with commissioning choral arrangements of the music of the late Robbie Smith. Called the Robbie Songs Project, we are excited to share that 19 of these arrangements (available in multiple voicings) can be purchased through Cypress Choral Music or taken out on loan through the NSCF lending library.

Recently, Cypress Choral Music has recorded choral performances with the Cypress Studio Singers. We invite you to take a listen- it is such a joy to hear these choral arrangements come to life! Here is a performance of “The Painter of Wintertime”, arranged by local conductor and composer, Dr. Frances Farrell:

To view the the rest of  the collection of Robbie Songs, visit: https://cypresschoral.com/composers/robbie-smith/

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African Nova Scotian Music Association: Face the Music

The African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) is excited to announce its new stakeholder engagement and music industry data collection project, Face the Music. The goal of this project is to gather and share information that will promote greater and more equitable participation of African Nova Scotian music creators in the Canadian music industry.

ANSMA’s initiative which is titled: Face The Music will focus on research as well as critical conversations with a variety of music industry stakeholders to gather information to help build an understanding of disparities and challenges faced by African Nova Scotians creators. Face The Music is the first ever formal data collection project undertaken by ANSMA to gather information from industry professionals who have first-hand knowledge that can help inform strategies to promote equity, diversity and inclusion of African Nova Scotian music creatives in the Nova Scotia music industry.

If you are or know an African Nova Scotian music creator who would be interested in sharing their experience and perspective on the music industry, please contact Delvina Bernard at: delvinabernard@gmail.com

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Choral Canada: Respectful Workplaces Workshop

A Message from Choral Canada:

Do you have current policies and codes of conduct in place for your choral organisation to navigate issues of harassment, bullying, and other complex problematic situations? Register for this FREE TRAINING WORKSHOP that discusses these important issues in the context of a choral organisation’s “workplace”, ie. in-person and virtual gatherings of singers (paid, amateur, children/youth, etc.), volunteers, artistic and administrative staff, board of directors, committees, etc. These workshops are not legal or therapy clinics, but are rather conversations facilitated by experienced cultural sector leaders.

About the Workshop:
Choral Canada and the Provincial Choral Organizations are pleased to offer the Respectful Workplaces in the Arts Workshop for the Canadian choral arts sector and community. They are free and open to anyone to attend.
Presented by the Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC), the goal of the workshop is to provide information and facilitated conversations to encourage better workplace practices and behaviours.

Register today! https://www.choralcanada.org/respectful_workplaces_workshop

 

By NSCFMGR e-notes • Job Postings 0 Comments

Cantabile Choirs of Kingston: 2021 BIPOC Song Competition

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

Cantabile Choirs of Kingston is calling for submissions for the 2021 BIPOC SONG COMPETITION. This competition is open to composers 35 and under, who self-identity as a member of Canada’s BIPOC community. Submissions are welcome by Canadian citizens (living in Canada or abroad), permanent and temporary residents, and Indigenous peoples in Canada.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 1, 2022.

For more details, visit: https://cantabilechoirs.ca/bipoc-song-competition/

By NSCFMGR e-notes • Job Postings 0 Comments

Job Posting: Choeur des enfants de Montréal

The Chœur des enfants de Montréal (CEM), a 125 voice choir of children aged 5 – 21, is seeking an Assistant Conductor starting May of 2022. The Assistant Conductor will co-direct the preparatory and Junior extension choirs of CEM in-residence at Share the Warmth. This will be the second year of CEM’s partnership with Share the Warmth. The Assistant Conductor will work together with the Collaborative Pianist to rehearse and teach the children with the repertoire and curriculum provided by the Artistic Director.

For more details about the Choeur des enfants de Montréal , please visit https://choeurdesenfantsdemontreal.com

Application deadline: March 1, 2022

Click here to see the Assistant Conductor job posting.

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Job Posting: Ottawa Choral Society Artistic Director

Working with the Board of Directors and Artistic Team, the Artistic Director (AD) of the OCS plays the central leadership role with the OCS Choir in designing and delivering the OCS programming. The Artistic Director’s primary responsibilities are to develop the programming for the choir, prepare the choir for concert performances, prepare the appropriate pedagogical approach to enhance the choirs’ musical capacity, complete the musical and production planning, and conduct concerts. Required services include regular Wednesday evening rehearsals and additional activities on specific weekends and concert production weeks.

For more details about the Ottawa Choral Society, please visit https://ottawachoralsociety.com/

Application deadline: February 11, 2022

Click here to see the Artistic Director job posting.

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Busan Choral Festival: 2022 Busan Choral Composition Competition

General Regulations
Throughout its festival and competition history, Busan Choral has fostered cultural exchange and promoted high quality of choral music by attracting notable artists, conductors, and composers to one of Asia’s top choral festivals. The Busan Choral Composition Competition seeks to engage with aspiring young composers and to encourage the creation and performance of new works written for the choral music genre. The 1st winning work will be premiered at the 2020 Busan Choral Festival & Competition during the week of October 19-22, 2022.

Eligibility

  • Composer must be born between MAY 31, 2002 and MAY 31, 1982.
    (exceptions may be considered under the BCFC committee’s review.)
  • Compositions must not have been previously published or awarded in previous composition competitions and never publicly performed.

Length and Format

  • 3-10 minutes in duration
  • Piece must be for unaccompanied, equal or mixed voices choir.
  • Smaller, portable percussion instruments are allowed. (Xylophone, vibraphone and timpani not allowed).
  • Text can be chosen from Latin, English or Korean. If another language is chosen, a detailed English synopsis and pronunciation must be included in the score.

Application Deadline: May 31, 2022 (Results will be announced on July 20, 2022)

Applications must include:

  • Complete Online Application Form (at: http://www.busanchoral.org/bcfc/competition/cc_apply.asp)
  • Résumé/CV (*.doc / *.docx)
  • Copy of passport or ID Card with date of birth in JPEG format
  • Score in PDF format
  • English synopsis and pronunciation
  • Midi recording (by computer software) in MP3 format
  • 3 original copies of the score mailed to the Busan Choral office by May 31, 2022 (postmark deadline). Submitted original copies of scores will be used only for judging so there MUST be No Personal Information Included on the score for a fair evaluation. Scores submitted to the Busan Choral office will not be returned (Address: Busan Choral Festival & Competition / Busan Cultural Center, UN pyeonghwa-ro 76-1, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea 48534).
  • Only one piece per person acceptable

There is no application fee for this competition. 

Results

  • Winners will be announced on July 20, 2022 on BCFC Website.
  • Composition will be judged by a panel of international jury. The jury’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Awards

  • Gold Prize: $3,000 & a premiere of the work at the 2022 BCFC in the week of October 19-22, 2022.
  • Silver Prize: $2,000
  • Bronze Prize: $1,000

Publication and Rights

  • Busan Choral Festival & Competition and the Korea Choral Institute will hold publication rights of the score. Busan Choral Festival & Competition will hold performance and recording rights for up to two years following the results of the competition. This will be negotiated between Busan Choral and the composer.
  • Copyright will be retained by the composer.
  • The winning work cannot be submitted for future composition competitions.
For more information, visit: http://www.busanchoral.org/bcfc/competition/cc_guide02.asp