A project of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation, the Children's Chorus of Nova Scotia (CCNS) is a program where talented singers in grades 5-9 are provided with a challenging opportunity to achieve choral excellence. Selected by teachers and conductors from all over the province, singers will get to work with a team of musicians who are respected in Nova Scotia and across Canada, making this an exceptional learning experience.
We are thrilled to announce the return of CCNS in 2025!
April 11-13, 2025 First United Church, Truro, NS
Registration is now open! Please scroll to bottom of page for Registration Forms and Important Documents.
Meet Our Guest Conductor 2025, Dr. Susan Brumfield
Dr. Susan Brumfield is Professor of Music Education at Texas Tech University, and holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma. She is in high demand throughout the United States and Europe as a clinician, consultant, author, composer, arranger and choral conductor. An internationally recognized expert in the Kodály approach, Dr. Brumfield is the author of First, We Sing! Kodály-Inspired Teaching in the Music Classroom (Hal Leonard), a set of Kodály-based of curriculum and resource materials for K-5 music.
Dr. Brumfield is Founder and Artistic Director of The West Texas Children’s Chorus - with four choirs consisting of singers from Kindergarten through college, serving children throughout the South Plains area, and serves as a teaching lab for TTU Music Education students. The choirs have performed at the Texas Music Educators’ Conference, national conferences of the Organization of American Kodály Educators and the American Orff Schulwerk Association, and has been featured in concerts at Carnegie Hall and other prestigious venues in NYC. www.wtccsings.com.
Dr. Brumfield was honored in both 2012 and 2014 with the Texas Tech University College of Visual and Performing Arts Award for Outstanding Research, and as a two-time finalist for the President’s Book Award. In 2015, Dr. Brumfield was the recipient of the Louisiana Tech University Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.
What Music Will We Sing?
Singers are recommended for this program by their teachers and conductors. The music is designed to be fun, accessible, but just challenging enough to encourage the singers to grow in musical understanding and skill beyond their school experience.
Singers are expected to learn their music as best they can on their own, with help from practice recordings and their regional rehearsal leader. All music and materials will be delivered to the conductors/teachers of the selected singers once registration is complete.
Schedules and Commitment
All choristers must be able to commit to the following dates: (all rehearsals and performances are mandatory).
March 22 & 23, 29 & 30: Regional Rehearsal Weekends
Singers must attend one of four regional rehearsals. These rehearsals will be in HRM, Valley, Central NS and Sydney. Exact locations and times to be determined.
April 11-13: Rehearsal/Concert Weekend - Truro
The final rehearsal session Friday/Saturday during the day, culminating in a final concert Sunday afternoon.
Program Costs
$100 per singer (if singer is recommended from NSCF member organization eg. community choir/school/church)
$125 per singer (if singer is recommended from non-member organization, or for singers who do not have someone who can recommend them. In this case, this fee provides the student with a student membership to the NSCF)
*Please note: $35 admin portion of the fee is non-refundable. Remains is refundable for withdrawals until March 15th, 2025.
Financial Assistance and Payment Options
Financial Assistance is available via our bursary application form here.
Option 1: E-transfer to nscfadmin@nscf.ca (please use CCNS2025 as your security question answer).
Option 2: Mail a cheque (made payable to NSCF) to 1113 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS B3H4P7
Option 3: Contact the office (902-423-4688) with Credit Card information.
Register now for CCNS! (Two Step Process)
Step 1: For Leaders: Conductor/ Music Teacher Recommendation - Deadline January 31, 2025
Should include the names of the singers you are recommending (max. 10 choristers). Singers will be contacted to complete individual registration.
Choirs sending singers may wish to become members of NSCF. Member choirs receive discounted fees for programs and workshops for their singers (among lots of other benefits!). The annual membership fee is $55.00 per choir. Contact anne@nscf.ca if you would like to learn more. Click here to apply online for membership.
Step 2: For Singer Families: Individual Singer Registration - Deadline February 14, 2025
Complete only once you have been recommended by your music teacher/conductor (or if you are registering without sponsorship from a choir/school). You don't have to be in a choir to take part in CCNS - but a school music teacher can still recommend you to represent your school. (And if your teacher/school/choir has an NSCF membership, you get the discount). If you are a singer who cannot find a recommending teacher/conductor, please complete below email anne@nscf.ca. Online forms and payment must be received by February 14, 2025.
Important Documents:
CCNS 2025 Brochure
CCNS Teacher/Conductor Recommendation Form
CCNS Singer Registration Form
April 2025 Rehearsal Weekend Schedule
Videos from Past Performances: