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The Joy of Singing! – CBC Maritime Noon, April 3, 2023

CBC Maritime Noon Monday April 3, 2023 – The Joy of Singing!

This Monday, the NSCF Executive Director will be on the Maritime Noon phone-in, participating in a conversation about the joy of singing! The show will begin with an interview featuring Heather Fraser, Artistic Director of the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir, about the AVHC trip to New York to sing at Carnegie Hall.  Then, host, Bob Murphy, will be asking: What does singing do for you? In what ways does it enhance your sense of well-being and a feeling of community? Where would you be without singing? Kelsea McLean from Sirens choir on PEI will also share her thoughts. Join the conversation between 12 and 1 o’clock on Monday, April 3 by dialing 1-800-565-1940

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Four Way Harmony – Halifax Rotary Club Call for Singers, Artistic Director and Accompanist

Four Way Harmony (Halifax Rotary Club choir that was comprised of about 20 singers) has been inactive since the pandemic and is looking to rebuild. Their repertoire (sung in four part, SATB harmony), included a diverse selection of really fun to sing, light music, pop, country, folk songs, etc., and included numerous Canadian and Maritime classics – and Christmas music.  They rehearsed every second week, and performed at several retirement homes, as well as on the Halifax waterfront and at CTV’s Christmas Daddies.  Several members sang in performances of the Rotary International Choir at Toronto and Hamburg conferences.

In order to get started they need a few singers in all four voices, (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).  They also need to find a rehearsal space in a convenient location, preferably with a reasonable quality piano. Also critical is the need to track down a replacement musical leadership team.  More specifically they need help with the following:

  • Singers!  If you enjoy singing in the shower, this is way more fun!  There is no audition, but some modest ability to follow along a four part musical score would be helpful.  Let us know if you’d like to give it a go.  We’d love to hear from you.
  • Being a Rotarian is not a prerequisite.  If you know of any ‘Friend of Rotary’ who you think might be interested, please let them know, and ask them to get in touch – partners, adult children, neighbours… all welcome! 
  • They need a new ‘Artistic Director’ to guide the Choir musically.  This may be a fine opportunity for a retired musician or choir director who is looking for some relaxing interest, or a music student looking to gain some experience in choir direction.  While revenue generation potential is inevitably quite modest, some level of remuneration should be possible.  If you know of someone who might be interested, please invite them to get in touch.
  • Accompanist.  Their current accompanist is very keen to help out but has commitments that will likely limit her availability.  If anyone knows a competent pianist, again please get in touch.
  • Finally they need a venue.  It needs to have seating for about 20 people, and as mentioned, ideally needs to be equipped with a piano.  Alternatively, we may be able to work with a reasonable quality keyboard. If you have suggestions please let us know.

If you can help with any of the above, please get in touch, either with Louisa Horne (rotarylouisa@gmail.com), or with Dick Hodgson of Halifax Northwest, (at dick.hodgson@dal.ca ).   They would love to get this fine choral group up and running again!!

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Choral Canada’s Connections Silent Auction.

We’re just one week away from the start of Choral Canada’s Connections Silent Auction! There’s still time to register – sign up now to be notified as soon as the auction goes live on March 3rd. There are loads of items to bid on, including 8 commissions, 11 workshops/consultations, gifts, books and more!

And don’t forget to RSVP for the final event on March 15th at 7:30 pm ET, featuring a “live on Zoom” performance from the Vancouver Youth Choir and time to connect with colleagues as we watch the final bids roll in.
REGISTER TO BID
RSVP FOR CLOSING EVENT
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Canadian Choral Resources Project Survey

National and provincial choral organizations, artists, composers, schools, and various arts organizations across Canada are invited to complete this survey to help gather information to support the creation of a new national Choral Resources Database as part of the Canadian Choral Resources Project.  For more information on the project read the project blog on the Choral Canada website. 

This project is co-ordinated by Byron Hermann with analysis by CPAMO. This survey is part of a project designed to determine the major challenges choirs, choruses, singing groups and composers are currently facing, and to help identify what gaps there are in choir programming and governance, as well as help identify new resources or toolkits needed in the choral sector.

Your participation in this survey will help development of new resources available for you and will include a new website CanadianChoralResources.ca with a free database for you to explore containing information from across the country, such as:  digital programs, recorded interviews, performances, composer information, and toolkits to assist in livestreaming, strategic and curriculum planning, etc. This database could also help you improve your current audience experiences. 

Deadline for completion: Monday, March 27, 2023

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

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

Why not share the link/post to this survey with others who you think would be interested.

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Azrieli Music Prizes Celebrating Excellence in Music Compositions – 2024 Call for Submissions Now Open

Azrieli Music Prizes Celebrating Excellence in Music Composition
2024 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN
The Azrieli Foundation has launched the biennial Azrieli Music Prizes (AMP) call for submissions to composers across Canada and around the world.With this fifth edition, AMP is seeking scores and proposals for a cappella choral works that match the forces of its Performance Partner – the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Chorus. Submissions may include up to four additional instruments and/or soloists.

The three existing Azrieli Music Prizes continue in this latest edition: The Azrieli Commission for Canadian Music, The Azrieli Commission for Jewish Music, and The Azrieli Prize for Jewish Music. A fourth prize has been added this year: the inaugural Azrieli Commission for International Music. 

The total package for each Azrieli Music Prize is valued at more than $200,000 CAD and includes:
A $50,000 CAD cash prize; A premiere performance at the AMP Gala Concert in mid-October 2024 in Montréal; Two subsequent international performances; and A professional recording for future commercial release.  

The Azrieli Foundation upholds Fair Access Principles in managing AMP. Submissions are accepted from institutions and composers of all nationalities, faiths, ages, genders, backgrounds and levels of experience. There is no entry fee.

The deadline for submissions for all four prizes is Friday, May 5, 2023.

Click here for more information.
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Call for Support: Arts Funding in Nova Scotia

Home is where the Art Is

The arts and culture sector in NS needs your voice to make sure we are a central part of Nova Scotia’s recovery. Artists and arts organizations have come together to create Home Is Where The Art Is, a campaign for artists and the broad public to positively and respectfully lobby our MLAs to ensure we can rebuild the hardest hit sector and make it stronger than ever. Building together on the work done by  our colleagues at the NS Arts Council and others, we have identified our collective priorities that will make arts and culture survive and thrive in Nova Scotia.
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The provincial government is setting its priorities for its 2023 budget now and the need has never been greater to ensure that they include these structural changes in their upcoming budget. We need to positively engage MLAs of all parties now to show them how important this is to the whole province. 

​We need your voice: the voices of individual artists and arts organizations, members, volunteers, staff, audiences and supporters.

http://www.nsarts.ca/?ct=t%28RC_COMM_MC_2022_year+end_COPY_01%29&goal=0_10b47fa043-0b51a9e796-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=0b51a9e796&mc_eid=3a4d55f37f

Sharing your voice could not be easier and the voices of the Arts need to be heard. Use the link to contact your MLA today! Letters are due by February 3, 2023.

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Alexander Technique Opportunity

Ready to Be Inspired? – Alexander Technique Opportunity

What if you could find a bit more freedom in doing the things you love to do? In singing in a choir? In expressing yourself through your artistry? In moving through space with more ease? In meeting stressful situations with more poise? This is what the Alexander Technique offers.

What is the Alexander Technique?

What is AT? In a nutshell, the Alexander Technique is an approach to thinking and moving that allows for greater freedom and ease in performing the tasks you want to do, that you are passionate about.

Call for Students/Explorers

As part of the 1600-hour training process to become an Alexander Technique teacher, I am required to give a series of lessons. That’s where you come in: I am seeking folks who are curious about this work. I am offering 30-minute in-person lessons (I’m based in Halifax) for a nominal fee. If you are interested, please contact me at franpfarrell@gmail.com for more details. I would be happy to meet with you to (re) discover enhanced coordination and freedom in what it is you love to do.

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The Early Music Society of Nova Scotia Madrigal Group

EMSNS Madrigal Group starts January 12

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, January 12, running through March 2, 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!

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Galileo Baroque Choir, St. George’s Round Church Choir, The University of King’s College Chapel Choir

Three Terrific Choirs—One Audition!

Galileo Baroque Choir, St. George’s Round Church Choir and the University of King’s College Choir will be holding joint auditions on January 14/15. 

Singers in all sections will be considered for any and all of the these three highly-regarded ensembles—you only have to audition once. In some cases, paid positions are available.

Galileo Baroque Choir, directed by Andrew Pickett, is Halifax’s choir devoted to the historically informed performance of Baroque choral music. The choir rehearses Sunday evenings, with several concerts with Baroque instruments throughout the year.

St. George’s Round Church Choir, directed by Garth MacPhee, serves a historic Anglican church in the heart of Halifax with a well-established music program focusing on Renaissance polyphony. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings and regular services are Sunday mornings, with additional special services throughout the year.

The University of King’s College Chapel Choir, directed by Neil Cockburn, includes students at King’s College and Dalhousie University as well as non-student lay clerks who act as mentors for the student choristers. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings, with afternoon services Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (4 pm call) during the academic year. The choir also sings occasional special services and concerts.

Auditions: King’s College Chapel, 6350 Coburg Rd, Halifax

Saturday, January 14, 2-5 pm (auditions for all three choirs)

Sunday, January 15, 2-5 pm (Galileo and St George’s only)

To book an audition or for any other inquiries, please email Andrew Pickett at andrewjpickett@yahoo.co.uk or phone 902-293-8172 by Friday, January 13.