Marc-Antoine d’Aragon, is founder of the Non-fro-profit Centr’art and its web portal Artist.Center, a music group organization software. He says:
“Registration and basic use of the platform are free. It contains all the necessary tools in one place. Gone are the days of Excel lists, long email chains and sparse accounting: we offer member and membership management, easy communications, intuitive ticketing, finance management, and much more.
We invite your choirs to join us for a webinar on Monday August 18th, at 2:30PM (Friench at 1:00pm) to discover what Artist.Center can offer, in preparation for their choir season.”
The National Youth Choir of Canada (NYCC) is a project of Choral Canada and is one of Canada’s finest youth choirs. The 2026 program will run from May 3-16, 2026 and we are looking for choral singers ages 19-26 to participate in this one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity. The choir will be led by Guest Conductor Dr. Julia Davids, with a rehearsal residency and tour throughout British Columbia, ending in Victoria for a final performance at PODIUM 2026.
Video submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2025. Visit nycc.ca/auditions-2026 to learn more about the audition process and to access the guidelines and application form.
Please share this news with your colleagues and networks, young singers, students, and anyone else who might be interested in this opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact Colin Frotten at programs@choralcanada.org.
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Le Chœur national des jeunes du Canada (CNJC) est un projet de Canada Choral et l’un des meilleurs chœurs de jeunes au Canada. Le programme 2026 se déroulera du 3 au 16 mai 2026 et nous recherchons des choristes âgés de 19 à 26 ans pour participer à cette occasion unique de perfectionnement professionnel. Le chœur sera dirigé par la cheffe invitée la Dre Julia Davids, avec des répétitions et une tournée à travers la Colombie-Britannique, qui terminera à Victoria pour un concert final à PODIUM 2026.
Les vidéos d’audition seront acceptées jusqu’au 30 septembre 2025. Visitez nycc.ca/fr-auditions-2026 pour en savoir plus sur le processus d’audition et pour accéder aux lignes directrices et au formulaire de candidature.
N’hésitez pas à partager cette nouvelle avec vos collègues et vos réseaux, des jeunes choristes, des étudiant.es et toute autre personne qui serait intéressée par cette opportunité. Si vous avez des questions, veuillez contacter programs@choralcanada.org.
Join Us in Reclaiming a Voice of Radical Love Bedford United Church (BU) is not your typical church—and we’re not looking for a typical music director. We’re a progressive, affirming, and evolving community of faith rooted in the radical, inclusive love of Jesus. In a world increasingly shaped by division, we are reclaiming sacred space as a voice of compassion, curiosity, justice, and joy. Our worship— deeply spiritual, creative, and soul-stirring—is at the heart of that mission. Music is its pulse. We’re seek a Director of Music Ministry who understands music not as performance, but as a sacred art that helps create space for transformation. You’re a skilled and passionate keyboardist, an insightful collaborator, —comfortable working with both amateur and professional musicians. You have a keen sense of how music shapes spiritual experience and are energized by the opportunity to co-create moments that awaken hearts, stir spirits, and nourish action.
You may be a seasoned or developing leader. You embody humility, strive for excellence (not perfection), and have a deep love for community. If you lean into growth over perfection, feel called to contribute to worship experiences that blend the vitality of evangelical energy with open-minded theology—then we want to meet you. At BU, we are becoming more fully who we are called to be. We are building something bold and beautiful. Come bring your voice. Let’s make music that matters. Read more in our listing!
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POSITION PROFILE BUC is an affirming, progressive church committed to the self-reflection and continual evolution required to provide relevant, engaged, and excellent ministry in service to the needs of its current membership and wider community. We seek a permanent, part-time Director of Music Ministry to join our team. This is a salaried position, 20 hours per week. The successful candidate will be aligned with BUC’s values, be an outstanding musician, (main instrument keyboards), an accomplished choral conductor, with solid experience in providing direction and leadership to bands, and singers, both professional and amateur. They will have a drive for excellence and respect for collaboration.
SUMMARY OF POSITION The Director of Music Ministry:
Embodies and lives into BU’s core purpose, vision, values and theology.
In consultation with the Lead Minister, participates in worship service planning by selecting and preparing music from a wide variety of genres: traditional, gospel, world, rock, contemporary, contemplative and classical, etc.
Works collaboratively with the ministry team, staff, and lay people.
Leads music in worship services, other ministries and events, plays instrument(s), rehearses, and leads band(s) and choir(s).
Oversees the sound and AV team.
Plans and performs music at weddings and funerals.
Prepares, tracks and manages the annual music budget, in adherence with established financial procedures and in consultation with the Worship and Music Team.
Ensures musical instruments and related equipment are maintained
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Director of Music Ministry reports to the Lead Minister and is accountable to the BUC Council through the Ministry and Personnel Team, (M&P).
The Director of Music Ministry will adhere to BUC requirements for the completion of Monthly Time Reports, documenting additional hours worked, and in discussion with the Lead Minister scheduling vacation and time off for personal/professional development. Active involvement in the Annual Performance Review and participation in scheduled meetings with the assigned Ministry and Personnel liaison is also a requirement of the position.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Worship
Works collaboratively to set tone for worship services, in support of the Lead Minister and Council’s vision, aligned with the theology of the congregation, by selecting, rehearsing, and leading music that complements themes and strives for excellence.
Conducts choir(s), and band(s), which may include children, adults, amateurs, and professionals and leads/inspires the congregation in singing.
Participates in planning and leading services such as funerals, weddings, and congregational worship beyond Sunday morning including Christmas, Easter, etc.
Sources and adapts music that reflects BU’s evolving theologies. Leadership
Recruits, mentors, and develops musicians, choirs, bands, including amateurs, and professionals.
Recruits extra musicians when required and qualified replacement musicians during times away.
Responsible for overseeing and collaborating with the Sound and AV team.
Organizes and produces special musical events.
Establishes and pursues personal and vocational goals set with supervisor and approved by M&P Committee.
Administration
Meets regularly with the Lead Minister.
Attends committee meetings as required, including weekly staff meetings, Worship and Music Team, and occasionally others.
Provides information to support creation of promotional materials and worship outlines.
Ensures copyright data is accurately tracked and reported.
Ensures the maintenance of music library, database, and instruments. Church & Wider community
Participates in the life and ministry of the congregation, according to priorities set with the supervisor.
Positively represents BUC and the United Church of Canada in public, especially in musical performances beyond the congregation
Builds connections with wider music community
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum undergraduate degree in Music, or equivalent education and experience.
Minimum three years’ experience in similar position or equivalent experience
Experience in choir leadership, preferably with church
Experience leading bands
Experience working with subcontractors
Proven musical skills and competence
Proficiency in piano
Arranging skills
Strong knowledge of AV and sound relevant to context
Values aligned with those of BUC
ASSETS
Ability to compose music
Some proficiency with a variety of musical instruments.
COMPENSATION
This is a salaried position of 20 hours per week.
Eligible for standard United Church of Canada pension and benefits.
Requirement for a 1-year period of probation with a quarterly performance review with the Lead Minister on mutually, pre-established objectives. (The probationary period is viewed as a period of learning and may be reduced depending upon individual need.)
Remuneration, within the range of $35,000 – $40,000 per year commensurate with experience and education.
About Bedford United Church Bedford United is known to provide: a sanctuary for the soul, a community for the curious. It is an affirming ministry of the United Church of Canada, that takes scripture seriously but not literally. In our commitment to full inclusion of all people we invite and encourage individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, backgrounds, cultures, and abilities to apply.
Check us out at: www.bedfordunited.com We acknowledge that our work takes place on Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. Applications will be received until September 30, 2025 and should be sent to searchteam@bedfordunited.com.
The Annual General Meeting of the NSCF membership will be held:
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 6:00 pm Berwick United Church Camp 115 Commercial Street, Berwick, NS
On the agenda will be review of our year, financial statements, election of new board members, and a motion to approve changes to membership structure.
This meeting takes place during Adult Choir Camp. Due to a full camp and limited capacity in the dining hall this year (an amazing problem to have!), if you would like to join us for dinner at 5:30pm ($15.00 for members), please email Heather by August 10 to check to see if we have space – execdirector@nscf.ca.
See below a LIST OF ALL THE EVENTS happening at Camp in August! (listed by date) These performances and workshops are open for the public to attend! Plan a trip to the valley and catch some of these great events. All events take place at the United Church Campgrounds,115 Commercial St., Berwick.
CHOIR CAMPS – OPEN DAY FOR EDUCATORS & CONDUCTORS! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13th | 9:00 – 12:30 FREE ENTRY
Join us for the morning to observe our Junior/Youth camp rehearsals, vocal health/musicianship activities, dance and art activities all led by the incredible Canadian Chamber Choir and Sherryl Sewepagaham! Email anne@nscf.ca to let us know you’re coming! (If you can’t come that day but still want to drop in another day send us a note!)
JUNIOR AND YOUTH CAMP CONCERTS! SATURDAY, AUGUST 16th | Free Will Offering 1:30pm – Junior Choir Camp Concert – Conductors: Chris Bowman, Julia Brotto 3:00pm – Youth Choir Camp Concert – Conductors: Julia Davids, Darryl Christie With the Canadian Chamber Choir and Sherryl Sewepagaham!
Come on out to support these youth and all their efforts over the week, and hear what they’ve learned together!
CONDUCTORS WORKSHOP WEEKEND – Auditor Spots Still Open! AUGUST 16 – 18 Clinician: Dr. Joel Tranquilla, with Halifax Camerata Singers as the lab choir!
Wonderful opportunity to improve your skills and soak up a weekend in beautiful Berwick Camp in a supportive, casual atmosphere for learning. Come as a conductor OR a singer/auditor! Click here for Info and Registration!
WORKSHOP WITH SHERRYL SEWEPAGAHAM MONDAY, AUGUST 18th – 9:30 – 11:30am
Join Cree-Dene singer, composer and music educator Sherryl Sewepagaham for a wonderful workshop on indigineous music, and decolonization practices for choirs and in the music classroom!
PERFORMANCE by Halifax Camerata Singers MONDAY, AUGUST 18th – 8:00 pm | Free Will Offering
Hear the Halifax Camerata Singers in the valley! 🙂 Bring along your friends!
IN CONVERSATION WITH DR. MARK RAMSAY WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20th – 7:30pm | FREE WILL OFFERING
Join us for a lovely conversation led by ACC guest conductor Dr. Mark Ramsay. Topic TBA! 🙂
ADULT CHOIR CAMP CONCERTS! SATURDAY, AUGUST 23rd – 1:30pm | Free Will Offering Guest Conductor: Dr. Mark Ramsay
Come out to support these 120+ singers and all their efforts over the week learning a program of beautiful, diverse music together.
Please join us for the final performances of our Nova Scotia Youth Choir, under the direction of guest conductor Scott Leithead! 55 of the most talented young singers from across the province will raise their voices together in performances on Saturday, September 20 in New Glasgow, and Sunday, September 21 in Truro and Halifax.
This wonderfully thoughtful and heartfelt program was inspired by a song by NS singer-songwriter Robbie Smith. Sparkling with poignant, diverse music that harnesses youthful energy alongside meaningful reflection, the program journeys between groundedness, like that of Haitian music by Sydney Guillaume and Cree composer Sherryl Sewepagaham, to contemplative renaissance music by de Lasso, to stunning pop and folk arrangements by Canadian Jennifer MacMillan.
Scott Leithead, Artistic Director of Korora Choirs in Edmonton, is supported by a faculty of fine local musicians dedicated to education in vocal performance and musicianship – Amelia McMahon and Andrew Cranston as resident conductors, with Adam Johnson on piano. Dr. Frances Farrell, Jason Hayes-Davis and Jodie Miller joined the team this season as guest vocal coaches and clinicians.
Concerts take place Saturday, September 20th at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church, New Glasgow, and Sunday, September 21st at 2:00pm at First United Church in Truro, and 7:30pm at The Joseph Strug Hall, Fountain School of the Performing Arts, Halifax. Tickets are $25/$10 (students) available to purchase with buttons below or at the door where available.
About the Nova Scotia Youth Choir: A nationally celebrated program of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation, the NSYC is an auditioned choir for ages 16-25. It is the pinnacle of choral training for many of our most promising young musicians and continues to be a resounding success. Since its inception in 1991, it has been an opportunity for singers, conductors and accompanists to work intensively towards artistic excellence, develop musicianship, and perform together under the leadership of some of the most accomplished and recognized instructors and conductors in Canada. Alumni of the choir can be found in leadership roles here in Nova Scotia, across Canada and beyond.
The 2026-27 season is a big year and it will be here before you know it! We’re starting to put together ideas of special projects and events that we’d like to take on in celebration of the 50th Anniversary. WE WOULD LOVE YOUR INPUT!
Dream Big! If you could have anything as part of this season what would it be? Think events, music, composers, initiatives, schools, special projects or programs, workshops, guest groups, concerts… things that touch everyone over the course of the year! How can we come together to connect us all, raise our voices together across the province, to celebrate our art form, advocate and raise awareness, and grow our community?
Our Artistic Steering committee will be meeting soon to brainstorm, discuss all the ideas and narrow it down into a season that is manageable for the office to take on… with the help of our incredible volunteers!
Click below to fill out the form to share your ideas – please complete by JULY 1!
Join the Nova Scotia Choral Federation’s first everRafflebox 50/50 fundraiser! Here’s your chance to hit the high notes for singing and choirs across the province while potentially winning big. With half the pot going to one lucky winner and the other half fueling the future of choral singing, it’s a win-win that will have you singing with joy!
This is a soundinvestment in our artistic communities! Whether you’re a seasoned chorister or a community supporter, your contribution will help fund programs that empower singers of all ages, nurture vocal talents, build confidence, and create unforgettable musical experiences. You can choose to support the NSCF or any singing organization on the dropdown list, or have your contribution divided equally amongst all.
Together, we can ensure that the magic of choral music continues to resonate throughout Nova Scotia. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly note-worthy! Purchase your raffle tickets today and help us strike a chord for music education and community choirs. Join the chorus of supporters and let’s make beautiful music together – because when we all come together, our voices are stronger and our communities shine brighter!
So, raise your voice and your chances to win! Let’s help keep the spirit of song alive in every corner of the province! Thank you for your support!
The winner will be contacted to claim their prize.
Thinking of posting your choir’s performance online? Not sure what the latest required steps are?
Choral Canada’s Student Chapter Committee has put together a webinar with presenters from SOCAN and the Canadian League of Composers to provide practical and helpful information to demystify the rules around synchronization (sync) licenses. This webinar will cover the licensing process, special considerations for choirs and singing groups, how to work with composers and publishers, and what to avoid.
Bring your questions and leave with clarity and confidence!
Advanced registration is required. This webinar is available to members of Choral Canada only*.
* While membership fees are an important part of our operating budget, we strongly believe they should never be a barrier to accessing our programs and services. That’s why we offer a pay-what-you-can membership option for anyone who needs it. For those who might be in a position to pay more for their membership, please consider selecting the full-price “Individual” or “Student” membership and adding a donation during the payment process. Your support helps us keep the pay-what-you-can option available for others.
