Executive Director, Nova Scotia Choral Federation

Executive Director, Nova Scotia Choral Federation

Halifax, NS

Founded in 1976 the Nova Scotia Choral Federation (NSCF) is one of eight cultural federations, supported by the government of Nova Scotia. As a registered charity, NSCF has developed an excellent complement of programs and services for choirs of all ages in the province.  Our Junior Choir Camp began in 1979 and was the model for similar camps in other provinces in Canada.  Since then our camps have grown to include Youth and Adult Choirs camps offering a camp experience to singers starting at the age of 8 years old.  NSCF also provides an opportunity for youth singers to take part in an auditioned provincial youth choir which is managed by NSCF each year and biennially supports a quartet of youth singers to attend the Nation Youth Choir of Canada, a program of Choral Canada .

The leadership shown by the Nova Scotia Choral Federation has assisted in the widespread participation in choral music throughout Nova Scotia. There are opportunities for all program alumni to stay involved in the Federation’s activities. School children are given the opportunity to develop choral experience in schools and networking takes place with provincial, national and international choral communities. There is training to encourage and support choral conducting, and professional, well-paid opportunities for both emerging and established artists. Corporations and governments recognize the valuable role choral music plays in enriching society and demonstrate their understanding through active support.

Nova Scotia Choral Federation is currently seeking a new Executive Director

The Executive Director is the leader within NSCF and plays an integral role in building and maintaining relationships in the choral community in Nova Scotia.  They are an active member on the board of the Cultural Federation for Nova Scotia. This individual is also involved on a national level with the board for Choral Canada, and maintains positive relationships with the other choral federations in the country.   Other key responsibilities of the Executive Director include:

  • Promoting and increasing awareness of NSCF and the programs/services available for choirs in Nova Scotia
  • Management and awareness of funding opportunities for NSCF.  This includes review of proposal opportunities for funding and preparation of funding applications
  • Development of budgets for NSCF programs throughout the year
  • Assist in preparation and review of all financial statements monthly and for the end of each fiscal year (including regular communication with the NSCF Treasurer and Bookkeeper)
  • Manage scheduling of meetings, communication and relationships with the NSCF Board of Directors – this includes attending and preparing for Board  Meetings, the Annual General Meeting and any other committee meetings as needed
  • Act as the organization’s spokesperson – including activities such as interviews, news releases, and other proactive communication with media
  • Attendance at key national meetings and conferences throughout the year
  • Create a culture that empowers and motivates NSCF staff and volunteers

As the ideal candidate for this role, you have leadership experience in the choral community in Nova Scotia or your current community.  Previous experience in a senior management role within a not for profit organization would be considered a definite asset.  Other qualifications include:

  • A background and education in Music, Choral Conducting, Music Education or Fine Arts
  • Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and financial management, including fund development
  • Experience in planning and managing successful events and projects
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships
  • A passion for continuing to build and develop choral opportunities for singers in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada
  • Experience in collaborating with other organizations at a provincial and national level

Nova Scotia Choral Federation has built a strong legacy in Nova Scotia and continues to be a choral leader in Canada.  Be part of the next chapter in keeping the momentum of choral music and experiences moving forward in Nova Scotia. 

To express interest in the Executive Director role, please forward your cover letter and resume to the Selection Committee, Att: Anne MacDonald at anne@nscf.ca.

A full job description is available by request.  

The Robbie Songs Project – A Legacy Choral Tribute to Robbie Smith

Following the success of the Let’s Have Some Music concerts on April 29, 2023 in Truro and April 30, 2023 in Halifax, we are excited to announce the that the recordings will soon be available. Pre-save now on your favourite streaming service! 17 beautiful pieces by Nova Scotian songwriter @Robbie Smith , Naming the Twins , performed by Cantabile Society of Truro , Choirs for Change, Dartmouth Choral Society, Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus, Nova Voce, The Aeolian Singers, Middleton Choral Society, Halifax Newcomer Choir, Coastal Voices Men’s Choir, EnChor East, Kathleen Glauser

#RobbieSongsProject#LeafMusic#ECMA2024#choirmusic#choralmusic#Canadiancomposer#canadianchoral

https://leaf-music.lnk.to/drr-005

Massed Choir for the RCCO’s annual Festival of Carols

The Royal Canadian College of Organists Halifax Centre invite you and those in your choirs to join the Massed Choir for the RCCO’s annual Festival of Carols happening on Monday, December 4 at the Cathedral Church of All Saints

This celebration of the season features a 50+ voice massed choir, organ music, poetry and sacred readings (read this year by The Hon. Dr. Mayann Francis), and guest choir Galileo Baroque Ensemble (dir. Andrew Pickett). It promises to be a joyous start to your Christmas season! 

The Massed Choir is a low-key, one-evening commitment group of people from all over the region who love to sing. In just 24 hours, over 30 singers have registered! I hope you will join us. You do not need to be an RCCO member or a member of a religious community to join us. ALL are welcome!! Please share this widely! Details are below. 

COMMITMENT: Monday, December 4 @ All Saints Cathedral (1330 Cathedral Ln)

Rehearsal: 5:45pm

Organ Preludes: 7:00pm

Service: 7:30-8:30pm

MUSIC: (pdf will be sent to those who register by end of next week)

Hymns: ‘Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending,’ ‘O Come, Divine Messiah,’ ‘In the Bleak Midwinter,’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!’

Massed Choir Anthems‘Ding! Dong! Merrily on High!’ (arr. Charles Wood), ‘Good King Wenceslas’ (arr. Terry Hurrell)

The choir will be led by Wayne Rogers and Lynette Wahlstrom, with Shawn Whynot accompanying. 

Individual registration is requiredRegister by clicking here

Aeolian Singers Annual Wreath Fundraiser

The Aeolian Singers annual wreath fundraiser is underway! 

The perfect addition to any front door to celebrate the season 💚 don’t miss out on these stunning, locally made, 20″ wreaths.

Order yours before October 31st for delivery in early December, cost is $25/ea. Reach out to a local choir member or email fundraising@aeoliansingers.ca

Your support brings Choral music to the community! It helps to keep choir membership affordable, hire amazing musicians and composers, purchase beautiful music, cover venue fees, and more.

Thank you for your continued support!

Shelburne Chorus – Repertoire Recommendations

The newly formed Shelburne Chorus, a non-auditioned community choir of 25 singers, directed by Ben von Bredow, is looking for recommendations on relatively easy SATB pieces for next season that are part of the NSCF library.

Ben’s background is liturgical music and we are asking for help in finding non-sacred music.

Of course we will include some pieces from the Robbie Songs Collection, but if anyone is familiar with some of the titles in the library and would venture to send us some recommendations, we would greatly appreciate it.

Please send to Ben at benvonbredow@gmail.com

ESMS Madrigal Group – Join us!

EMSNS Madrigal Group new session starts November 2

Do you enjoy laughing and learning while you sing? The Early Music Society of Nova Scotia Madrigal Group is a relaxed a cappella ensemble that meets on Thursday mornings to sing a wide variety of English, Italian and French sixteenth-century music, directed by Andrew Pickett. Our next session begins Thursday, November 2, running through December 21, meeting at Faith City Church, 6225 Summit St, Halifax, from 10:30 am–12 pm. Please contact Andrew at andrewjpickett@yahoo.co.uk if you’d like to join in!

Membership Renewal Time

All NSCF Memberships expired on August 31, 2023. Have you renewed your individual or group membership? Do you need an invoice for your membership? We are launching a new management system which will allow members to renew their membership and review membership information online. Dues will still be able to be paid online, by phone, email money transfer or by cheque. Information will be sent out to members very soon . If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out to Anne at anne@nscf.ca or call 902-423-4688.

Organist/Choir Director in Annapolis Royal

St. George and St. Andrew United Church, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia is seeking an Organist/Choir Director. Duties include playing at regular Sunday services, for special services as required, and conducting a weekly rehearsal of forthcoming choral anthems and other music. Opportunities for offering private organ and piano lessons at the church are possible. We have a two-manual baroque-style (with swell) tracker-action instrument by Orgues Letourneau (Opus 28, 1991) and a Yamaha Digital grand piano (CLP-695GP) as well as a Yamaha Clavinova in the choir rehearsal room. The church boasts a strong music programme, with choral anthems as a regular part of every service, and many other musical events take place in our sanctuary due to its excellent acoustics.


Annapolis Royal is a small but thriving town with its own theatre, arts centre, and notable National Historic Sites. The position could be ideal for a city organist looking for something quieter but not the least dull.


Salary commensurate with experience. Resume with references in the first instance should be submitted to Andrea Boulding. (andrea.boulding@gmail.com)

2024 National Youth Choir of Canada Auditions and CCSC Executive Committee

Auditions are currently underway for the 2024 National Youth Choir of Canada, led by Guest Conductor Roseline Blain. Are you or do you know a choral singer aged 19-26 who would like to participate in this one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity? Video auditions will be accepted until October 15, 2023. Information for singers, application details and audition guidelines are all available here: nycc.ca/auditions.

Choral Canada is also seeking Expressions of Interest for six (6) positions on the Choral Canada Student Chapter (CCSC) Executive Committee. These individuals are representative of the richly diverse group singing communities in which we participate and will help provide the CCSC committee with a multitude of perspectives and lived experiences. Deadline: October 20, 2023. For more information on the Student Chapter and how to submit your Expression of Interest: bit.ly/46sqf7K

HarbourVOICES! International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions – 2024

Call for Applications – HarbourVOICES! International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions

Join us on June 29 – July 4, 2024 in St. John’s, NL for an exciting roster of international, Canadian, and Newfoundland & Labrador singing groups/choirs on this ancient and beautiful land, at the most easterly edge of North America.

We strongly encourage participation from diverse voices, especially groups that have not been included historically in traditional choral settings/festivals. We welcome groups that are interested in collaboration and the reciprocal sharing of collective singing traditions.

There is only 3 spots for Invited Participating Guests remaining. Interested? Email info@harbourvoices.ca or visit www.harbourvoices.ca/apply for more information.”