This weekend, June 7-9, 2024, is the first Nova Scotia Youth Choir Rehearsal weekend since 2019. Voices from the ages of 16-25 are joining together working on incredible repertoire selected by Guest Conductor, Jamie Hillman. Under the direction of Amelia McMahon and Andrew Cranston, our Resident Conductors, and Adam Johnson, Accompanist, these 37 singers will meet in June and August, with a final weekend in September with our Guest Conductor. Mark your calendars for September 22 where this wonderful group of singers will perform in two concerts (one in the Annapolis Valley and one in Halifax). Stay tuned for details!!
SOUNDTRAX – A DYNAMIC CHORAL EXPERIENCE FOR SENIOR HIGH STUDENTS
Soundtrax is an auditioned SATB youth choir featuring students from across the HRA as part of the Halifax Regional Arts program. We are passionate singers who love exploring dynamic repertoire. If you are interested in joining this choir, please book an audition by scanning the QR code or visit https://hra.hrce.ca/ Auditions will be happening on Thursday, June 6th and 13th from 4:30-6:30 in Room 222 at Citadel High School. Please contact ffarrell@gnspes.ca for further information.
Jazz Voices is an auditioned jazz/pop choir geared for folks who are keen to take their choral skills to the next level. We meet on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:00 at Citadel High School. Auditions for this group are happening on Thursday, June 6th and 13th from 4:30-6:30 in Room 222 at Citadel High School. To book an audition, please scan the QR code or visit https://hra.hrce.ca/ Please contact ffarrell@gnspes.ca for further information.
The Halifax Youth Honour Choir is looking for new members. This group of dedicated choristers meets on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:15 at Central Junior High. Auditions are happening on June 4th and June 11th from 4:30-6:30 at Oxford School. To book an appointment, please scan the QR code or visit https://hra.hrce.ca/ Please contact ffarrell@gnspes.ca for further information.
Dalhousie Collegium Cantorum, under the direction of Gary Ewer, will be accepting new members for our 2024- 2025 season. Most recently the choir has performed Handel’s Solomon, as well as Mozart’s Requiem.
At the end of May, life will change at the Nova Scotia Choral Federation. Tim Cross is retiring.
Tim has been with the Choral Federation for 34 years, 26 of which he has served as our Executive Director. With dedication, knowledge, compassion, and a deep belief in the power of choral music and of community, Tim has guided our organization and its volunteer boards and committees through the ups and downs every arts organization knows well. He has seen us safely through challenges ranging from budget cuts and moves to hurricanes and COVID.
Throughout his tenure Tim has also been a wise and experienced presence in the wider arts and culture field, both at home and as a strong advocate for Nova Scotia in organizations across Canada. We are going to miss him deeply, but we know his retirement is well-timed and well- earned.
We are inviting choral friends and colleagues to join us at the Choral Federation office, 1113 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4P7 on June 21 at 6:30 to celebrate Tim’s career and wish him well. To help us plan, please RSVP to Jackie – jrchambers@me.com
If you cannot attend in person, we hope you will choose to be here in spirit. We’re collecting greetings and reminiscences to be shared during the event. Please email to jrchambers@me.com or regular mail to the office address above.
Interested in signing your child up for just one hour of FREE music training each week? Learn more at capellaregalis.com/join.
Capella Regalis is welcoming new boys and girls ages 6+ to join our Boys and Girls Probationer’s Programs (training choirs) which allows children to try the choir and learn music basics in a low-pressure, fun environment. Each group meets for one one-hour rehearsal each week at Saint Andrew’s United Church, Halifax: Boys on Fridays, 4-5 PM and Girls on Tuesdays 5:15-6:15 PM.
You can learn more or sign up by attending a half-hour Probationers Program Information Session, or you can request a brief and friendly individual audition, at capellaregalis.com/join.
The King’s Chapel Choir, directed by Dr Neil Cockburn, is celebrated throughout the Maritimes, and known across Canada for its professional-level choral singing in services and concerts. It maintains one of the most prestigious college liturgical choral programs in Canada – on a par with the chapel choirs of Oxford and Cambridge.
Section Lead (Lay Clerk) positions are awarded to professional singers in an annual application and audition process: one each of Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass. We also maintain a substitute paid singer list to cover absences, and to enlarge the group for specific performances.
The choral season runs during the full academic year from September to mid-April, and the regular weekly schedule includes rehearsals on Tuesday evenings (7-9pm), and Choral Evensong on Wednesdays (4-6pm). There are occasional additional rehearsals on Saturdays (morning or afternoon). Two of the four Section Leads are also engaged each week for the Sung Eucharist service on Thursdays (4-6.30pm): the voice allocation (SA or TB) varies according to the repertoire to be performed. Other additional performance dates include Remembrance Day, Holy Week (Easter), and termly concerts and tours: the full schedule is confirmed at the start of each of the two terms (September to December, and January to April). There is no regular Sunday commitment.
To apply as a Section Lead or substitute singer for the 2024/25 season, please send a musical resumé, specifying your choral voice part and previous choral experience, to: music@ukings.ca
A review of applications and scheduling of auditions will begin on Monday June 24, 2024. Applications will remain open until all positions are filled.
