The Dalhousie Chorus is coming back to life this year! The Chorus is looking for tenors and basses to help fill our ranks. We are especially interested in high school tenors and basses who love to sing and are possibly interested in studying music in the future and are looking for another level of experience, expanding their singing experience. However, we are also very interested in any tenors and basses from the community who would like to help us bolster our chorus! With exciting rep this fall by Gjeilo, Vasks, and the amazing Kerry Andrew and the Duruflé Requiem this winter, the chorus will begin its next chapter with its new conductor John Bogardus. Rehearsals are held at the Dalhousie Arts Center in the Fountain School of Performing Arts on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 pm until 6:00 pm.
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.
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.
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is Looking for Choir Members
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is looking for choir members in all sections for our Adult Choir. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be part of the excitement of The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo? If you love to sing, and are in Grade 9 or older, this could be your opportunity to find out!
For the first time in two years, there will be a live show in June/July. Commitment has been received by European groups and planning is well under way. The choir begins rehearsals in May on Sunday evenings. The intensity and frequency in the Scotia Bank Centre begins near the middle of June. Here is a very early rough draft of the rehearsal schedule:
June 14 – 17 Evening rehearsals – beginning at 1900 hrs June 18 – 19 Some day and some evening rehearsals (this is when the foreign acts arrive) June 20 – 22 Evening rehearsals June 23 Student Matinee (first dress rehearsal) – begins at 10:00 June 24 Second Dress rehearsal (Could be afternoon or evening) June 25 Preview show 19:00 June 27 Evening performances 19:00 June 26, July 1-2 Matinee shows 14:00
Some things to consider:
sight reading skills are an asset.
memorization of all music is required.
we perform on a stage built over the arena floor.
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.
costume parts are provided, white shirt/blouses and long black skirts/pants are not.
you will receive two complimentary tickets to the Preview show
you will receive a cast T-Shirt
This information is meant to be helpful for any prospective choral singers. If interested, please contact the Tattoo Office at: info@nstattoo.ca and mention Choir in the subject box.
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.
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:
This letter was sent to the government outlining research & the many reasons why singing/playing should be allowed in schools.
A follow-up letter was sent out last Friday, linked here.
The Back to School policy banned singing and wind playing entirely, but allows students to participate in physical education classes unmasked, without gathering limits.
Parents and music educators began speaking up about this inequity and the importance of music in schools. Here are a few highlights:
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
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.
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:
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.
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
On Monday, January 10th, Choral Canada, the Canadian Band Association, the Nova Scotia Band Association, the Nova Scotia Choral Federation, the Nova Scotia Music Education Council, the Kodaly Society of Nova Scotia, and the Kodaly Society of Canada shared a letter advocating for fair and informed decision-making in relation to restrictions on music education. This letter highlights the research and studies that show that, with the appropriate measures, singing and wind playing can be done safely. It is discouraging to see a return of restrictions on singing and wind playing when there has been no reported spread of COVID-19 linked to music education in Canada. Meanwhile, despite the reported spread of COVID-19 during sport, school sports activities have continued with minimal restrictions.
Though this letter has already been shared with a large and comprehensive list of government contacts in Education, Health, and Culture, we ask music educators and our membership to share this letter with school principals, parent support groups, and on your social media platforms.
Here are links to the Singing & Wind Playing letter as both a PDF and three separate PNGs:
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.
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.
