News: Professional Development

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 Canadian Military Wives Choir in Halifax is seeking a new Musical Director. Rehearsals are Monday nights from 6:30-8:30pm at CFB Halifax. They are a bunch of lovely ladies with various levels of musical knowledge. They are looking to fill this position ASAP. More information is provided below. If you would like to learn more contact canadianmwc.halifax@gmail.com.

           General Duties

• Teaches musical selections to choir members in a fun, supportive environment.
• Attends weekly rehearsals and performances as required.
• Abides by Canadian Military Wives Choir Constitution.
• Operates within the guidelines of the Canadian Military Wives Choir, as administered by the Halifax CMWC Committee.
• Provides a welcoming inclusive musical environment for choir members.
• Encourages a fun and safe environment for all singing levels.
• Refers all performance requests, membership enquiries, media enquiries, fundraising opportunities and all other choir administrative business to the local Committee for consideration.  Final decision for choir participation in all events rests with the local Committee as representatives of the Canadian Military Wives Choirs movement. 

        Music Selection

• The Music Director shall in consultation with the President and/or the Vice President, prepare and teach music for rehearsals and performances appropriate for various experience levels and performance opportunities of the choir.  Note: Music will usually be chosen jointly by the President and/or Vice President and the MD; the MD may submit selections to the President and/or Vice President for consideration.  The final selections will be reviewed by the MD to confirm the pieces are suited for the choir members abilities.
• Create arrangements of songs that cannot be purchased or sourced, within the guidelines of current Canadian copyright laws.
• The MD is responsible for producing performance tracks if they have not been purchased.

        Digital Content

• The MD shall-generate and make available digital copies of sheet and audio music required for choir members.
• Forward any costs for digital copying to the committee for prior approval and payment.
• Generate rehearsal recordings of individual parts, including solos as required adhering to reasonable time requests.
• Notify the Committee when new complete sets of recordings and sheet music are ready and uploaded to the Choir Google Drive for member access.  Consult with the Committee regarding musical content on the National CMWC website.

Rehearsals

• The MD shall prepare fully for warm-ups and practices and lead weekly rehearsals tailored to diverse levels of musical understandings. 
• Assist in preparation of rehearsal space as required.
• Assist new members to find their musical range and section within the choir. 
• Create and contribute to a collegial, creative, supportive environment where members feel comfortable to take musical risks together.
• Improve and maintain confidence in musical abilities of both individuals and the group.
• Review CMWC Core music selections on a regular basis in order to be prepared for combined choir or seasonal events. 

Performances

• The MD shall consult with the Committee in generating musical programs for performances.
• Liaise with event coordinators regarding logistics as required.
• Liaise with hosts to ensure performance details have been addressed.
• Forward ideas and opportunities to collaborate with other groups or musicians to the Committee for discussion and approval.

Spreading the Movement

• Be willing to support the choir in fundraising and profile-raising events.
• Refer new possibilities to the Committee for discussion.
• Refer new possibilities to the Committee for discussion.
• Attend local Committee meetings when required (occasionally).

Applicants may submit an application to the Talent Trust before they have been accepted into their proposed program of study.  In fact, it is highly recommended applicants do so.

Scholarship amounts vary between $800 and $4,000.

We strongly urge all applicants to apply early to avoid any difficulties with your application, technical or otherwise.

Please use Google Chrome as your browser to avoid any technical difficulties and be able to save your online application easily.