News: Singers Wanted

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!!

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!

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.

The South Shore Chorale (SATB Choir for 50 years) are inviting all singers but especially TENOR voices to join us as we prepare for early March concerts. We will be meeting for weekly rehearsals starting Sunday January 8th at 2pm at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Phoenix St. Bridgewater.
With our new Artistic Director, Amelia McMahon, we will celebrate light returning throughout the winter months with a program that focuses on the newness of spring. With choral classics by Kirchner, Coates, di Lasso, and Thompson, this concert also features Rajaton, Stan Rogers and Old Man Luedecke arrangements.

Membership will be waived for singers 17 to 24 and will be half price for singers 25 to 30. Further information can be found on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/southshorechorale
NEW SINGERS joining for the first time go to the link below and please fill out and submit the form to help us plan for your needs.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2OctTZeTbYKNa_ejDcooUHwW_Bnn5_DcSoWEuBl-Zs1nLZw/viewform