Friday 29 November 2013

ChorFest Call for Choirs!

Perform at ChorFest as part of the Noon Hour Concert Series!


Feature group, musica intima, will peform at ChorFest Saskatchewan at Knox Metropolitan United Church at 12:00pm (noon) on Monday, February 10, 2014.  We have two more concert slots available for SK choirs to perform a 45 minute concert at 12:00pm (noon) on Tuesday, Feburary 11 and Wednesday, February 12, 2014.  Please contact the SCF office at information@saskchoral.ca or at 306-780-9230 if your choir is interested in being part of this brand new event.  Click here for more information about the Noon Hour Concert Series.

Exciting Workshop Opportunities at ChorFest!

Workshops for Mixed Voice Choirs - Saskatchewan Choral Federation is pleased to announce that Canada’s most exciting vocal ensemble, musica intima, will be the feature group at ChorFest Saskatchewan.  Internationally renowned for their warm and engaging stage presence, impeccable musicianship and unique perspective on ensemble singing, musica intima has earned a reputation as Canada's most exciting vocal ensemble. What makes musica intima truly unique is that the singers rehearse, perform and function as a collective. In rehearsal they self-direct, exchanging ideas freely while exploring their own musical creativity. In performance, they engage the audience with a spontaneity and directness all their own. The group will provide a workshop to adult and high school singers on Sunday, February 8. Register early, the workshop is limited to 200 singers and tickets are $25 each.

Workshops for Treble Youth Choirs - Great opportunities exist for young singers at ChorFest as well. Dr. Mark Sirett will work with exclusively with Saskatchewan youth in an additional workshop on Saturday, Feburary 8, 2014 as part of the Treble Youth Choir Project. Youth choirs will perfect a selection of mass choir pieces that will be performed along with their own choral favourites at a public concert that evening! The concert will be held at Knox Metropolitan United Church at 7:30pm and tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children and youth (up to age 18).

The workshops and concerts are part of the Saskatchewan Choral Concert Series, a program that brings nationally and internationally renowned choirs and vocal groups to the province to perform and work with Saskatchewan choristers in workshops and clinics. The opportunity to work with and observe talent of this caliber provides learning and incentive to grow and enhances Saskatchewan’s choral community.

Jordan Travis Joins the ChorFest Clinicians

We're excited to announce that our third clinician at ChorFest will be Jordan Travis!  Jordan is the owner of The Complete Singer and is internationally in high demand as a clinician, adjudicator, speaker, and vocal coach.  His conducting, coaching, and performing has taken him across North America, Europe, and China.  Jordan is the Associate Director and Vocal Coach to the current Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Champions, the Toronto Northern Lights.  He also serves as a Singing Judge for the Barbershop Harmony Society.

This year, Jordan received a Community Leadership Award for outstanding leadership and lasting contribution in support of vocal music in the communities and schools of Canada from charity, Sing Canada Harmony.  Additionally, Jordan has been appointed Associate Director of the Bach Children's Chorus in Toronto, working closely with Artistic Director Linda Beaupre and accompanist Eleanor Daley.

Jordan will join fellow clinicians, Elroy Friesen and Mark Sirett at ChorFest Saskatchewan February 8 - 12, 2014. Find out more here.

Have you registered for ChorFest yet?


http://www.saskchoral.ca/html/programs_services/chorfestsk/index.cfm
ChorFest Saskatchewan is a new provincial festival of choral music for all ages and genres of group singing. The festival focuses on choral growth and development through performance, non-competitive adjudications and workshops with accomplished clinicians.  

Don't miss your chance to perform with other SK choirs and workshop with top clinicians.  The festival can accommodate up to 39 groups.  Register today to get the best choice of available time slots.  More information here.

Congratulations to Campion Scholara and Cantate Sr. Youth Choir - the first choirs to register for ChorFest! 

Congratulations Award Winners!


SCF was pleased to recognize the following individuals at the SMC banquet at the Delta Regina on Friday, November 8, 2014, for their outstanding and dedicated service to the choral arts in Saskatchewan:

Pro Musica Award: Dr. Carl Cherland
The Pro Musica Award is presented annually in recognition of exemplary service to choral music in Saskatchewan. The Pro Musica Award consists of a certificate and a cash award, which is to be used for further musical development of the award recipient.

Golden Note Award: Audrey Assman, Jack Boan, Diane Rhodes, and Helen Symonds
The Golden Note Award recognizes the contribution of individuals to the cultural life of Saskatchewan by their long-time (minimum of 25 years) active participation in the choral arts. Awards can be given in either the Singer or Choral Conductor category.

Community Service Award: Ivan Hruska, Sharon Penner, and Sandra Poole
Recognizes the contribution of an individual or group to the development of choral music in their community.

SCF was also pleased to present the first Nova Voce Scholarship to University of Saskatchewan student, Colin Elliot. The Nova Voce Scholarship recognizes an individual in the early stages of choral conducting development who has the potential to make a significant contribution to choral music throughout the life of their career. The scholarship consists of a cash award and a six-month mentorship with an accomplished choral conductor. One award is presented annually to an SCF member who is under the age of 30.

Thank You for Coming to SMC!

The Saskatchewan Music Conference was held November 7 – 9, 2013 at the Delta Hotel, Regina, Saskatchewan.  Delegates from Choral, Band, Music Educators, Music Festivals and Orchestral organizations gathered to celebrate “Music for Life”.

Scott Leithead, artistic director and founder of Edmonton’s Kokopelli, directed the delegate choir as well as lead two energetic & well-attended sessions, "Music of South Africa" and "Building a Youth Choir Program". Tova Olson accompanied Scott on djembe and piano for all of his sessions, as well as the delegate choir rehearsals and concert.

“PA 101” was presented on Friday by Leo Sepulveda of Long & McQuade Music.  His session covered the basics of PA set ups, equalizing, microphones, speakers and mixers.  Delegates also had the opportunity to see the new offices and imagine what it will look like in a couple of months with a tour of the new SCF office space on Saturday morning.

Following the Annual General Meeting, Kathy Stokes led the Treble Youth Choral Reading Session and Dr. Dominic Gregorio led the SATB Choral Reading Session.  Music for both reading sessions was generously provided by Long & McQuade. Thank you clinicians, delegates, volunteers and sponsors for all of your support in making this another great conference!  Click here to see pictures and videos from the conference.

Choir Rehearsal & Performance Space Available

Moving to a larger space has its benefits.  Beginning January 1, SCF will have space available for choir rehearsals and small performances at the new SCF Music Centre (125 Hamilton Street, Regina).  Please contact the SCF office at information@saskchoral.ca or at 306-780-9230 for rates, availability or more information.

We've Moved!

SCF has moved to its new office located in the Lutheran Care Home complex at:

125 Hamilton Street
REGINA, SK  
S4R 2A3
P: 306-780-9230
F: 306-780-9226

We're just off of Broad Street, on the corner of Hamilton Street and 5th Avenue N.

Thank you to SaskCulture and Saskatchewan Lotteries for the additional funding that made this move possible.

Give the Gift of Music With Creative Kids SK

For the one who already has everything, give the gift of music with Creative Kids SK.  Browse the 2013 Holiday Gift Catalogue here.
http://holiday.creativekidssask.ca/

Canadian Tire Seeks Regina Carollers

Regina carollers: Canadian Tire would like your help in spreading Christmas cheer

The Canadian Tire Giving Team will be stopping in Regina to donate products on Tuesday, Dec 3 or Wednesday, Dec 4 next week and would like to have a choir on-site to accompany them to their different stops.  If you're interested in helping the team by singing them along contact Candice Bruton: candice.bruton@cantire.com or at 416-480-3180

Yorkton Fundraiser Seeks Choristers

Yorkton Habitat for Humanity Faith Build, Project 3:16 is coordinating a musical, "His Promise" in order to raise funds to build a house in the community.  The project has mostly churches involved and the musical is about the life of Christ. 

The project is looking for more people of all ages to sing in the choir, directed by Doug Riley, and would like to extend an invitation to singers from the surrounding nearby communities.  Rehearsals occur every Sunday.  All singers will be given music and a practice CD in order to accommodate those driving longer distances, who may not be able to attend every rehearsal.  There will be 5 performances from March 6-9 with 2 performances on March 9th.  The project will do its best to meet any special needs or accommodations such as billets, during the week of and before the final performances.  Interested singers are asked to contact Ingrid Stumph at: ingridstumph@hotmail.com or call at 1-306-641-6388.

Thursday 28 November 2013

Have You Renewed Your Membership Yet?

If you didn't make it to SK Music Conference this year, you may have forgotten to renew your membership! Not to worry, you can renew your membership online here.  Memberships are valid for one year (November 1 - October 31) and expire on October 31st each year.  Visit our members section for more information.

Upcoming Concerts!

If you're wondering what concerts to attend this season, look no further:

NOVEMBER
 Sing!
7:30PM, Friday, Nov 29
Shumiatcher Theatre, MacKenzie Art Gallery, 3475 Albert Street, Regina


Sing Choirs of Angels
7:30PM, Friday, Nov 29
Third Avenue United Church, 304 3rd Avenue N, Saskatoon


GOSPEL!
7:30PM, Saturday, Nov 30
Knox-Metropolitan United Church, 2340 Victoria Avenue, Regina


Sing Choirs of Angels
7:30PM, Saturday, Nov 30
Third Avenue United Church, 304 3rd Avenue N, Saskatoon


DECEMBER
Sing!
7:30PM, Sunday, Dec 1
Shumiatcher Theatre, MacKenzie Art Gallery, 3475 Albert Street, Regina


University of Saskatchewan Community Chorus and Greystone Singers Fall Concert
3:00PM, Sunday, Dec 1
Knox United Church, 838 Spadina Crescent E, Saskatoon


Weihnachtskonzert
2:30PM, Sunday, Dec 1
German-Canadian Society Harmonie, 1727 St. John Street, Regina


Rotary Carol Festival
7:30PM, Monday, Dec 2 - Thursday, Dec 5
Knox-Metropolitan United Church, 2340 Victoria Avenue, Regina


Tell it on the Mountain! (A Festive Christmas Celebration)
7:00PM, Sunday, Dec 8
Christ Lutheran Church, 417 3 Street, Kipling


Knights of Columbus Carol Festival
7:30PM, Tuesday, Dec 10 - Wednesday, Dec 11
TCU Place, 35 22nd Street E, Saskatoon


RJC Christmas at Knox
7:30PM, Sunday, Dec 15
Knox United Church, 838 Spadina Crescent E, Saskatoon


Rosthern Junior College Christmas Concert
7:00PM, Friday, Dec 20
Rosthern Junior College, Rosthern


Christmas Memories
7:30PM, Friday Dec 20 - Saturday, Dec 21
TCU Place, 35 22nd Street E, Saskatoon

Halifax Summer Choral Conducting Symposium

You're invited to the
 2nd Annual Halifax Summer Choral Conducting Symposium
July 22-26, 2014 - Halifax, NS

The Halifax Summer Choral Conducting Symposium is a 5-day intensive workshop offering group instruction in choral/vocal pedagogy, conducting technique, choral repertoire, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics; and individual instruction in conducting, voice, piano and organ. Designed to support the practical work of all levels of choral conductors, we invite school/university educators, church musicians, studio teachers, and undergraduate/graduate music students to participate.

*Members of any Canadian provincial choral federation receive a discounted tuition.

To learn more about the event, or to register, please visit www.halifaxsummerchoral.com*

Calling Regina Musicians!

Regina International Airport is once again looking for holiday performers from December 16 – December 24 to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our passengers, guests and staff this holiday season.

If you or someone you know is interested in performing at the airport please let us know no later than December 6.

If you are interested, please indicate the following in an email to comments@yqr.ca:

1.    Full name of group/individual performing
2.    Contact information (phone and email)
3.    Available date(s) and time(s) in order of preference
4.    Length of time available
5.    Number of performers
6.    Type of performance (vocal, instrument, vocal/instrument, etc.)

If you are unable to participate but know of an individual or group who would be willing to perform at our airport please be sure to pass this information on or post the attached poster.

A small honorarium will be set aside for holiday performances in lieu of time and effort (depending on number of performances, length of time, etc.).

Upcoming Concert!


http://www.gscs.sk.ca/arts/kcfestpublic.php


Wednesday 20 November 2013

Upcoming Concert!


Upcoming Concert!

"Sing Choirs of Angels": Saskatoon Children's Choir In Concert

The award winning Saskatoon Children’s Choir (SCC), under the direction of Artistic Director, Phoebe Voigts, will be joined by a number of professional musicians for its annual Christmas concert, "Sing Choirs of Angels."

The concert takes place on November 29 and 30, 2013 at 7:30 PM at Third Avenue United Church in Saskatoon, and will feature the angelic voices of 120 choristers, accompanied by pianist Michelle Aalders.

"We are delighted to be joined by so many of Saskatoon's professional musicians once again for this year's concert," said Voigts.  "Their presence not only enriches the selections on the program, but also creates a wonderful learning experience for our choristers."

The SCC is a strong presence on the world choral stage, including performances in France, Spain, Austria, the Czech Republic, China, the United States, South Africa, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada.

Tickets are $25 and are available at McNally Robinson Booksellers, and at the door. Reserved seating.

For more information, contact Rita McLeod, ritamcleod@shaw.ca or 306-374-8077.

Upcoming Concert!


Join the Conversation!

Improvisation in Choral Music


It's not often that 'improvisation' is used in the same breath as 'choral music'.  Let's continue to explore what it means to 'sing' choral music in the 21st century.  This Thursday, join Chris Tonelli, ethnomusicologist and improvising sound singer, at 8-10pm (EST) as he hosts the online discussion, 'Improvisational Methods and Choral Communities.'  We will be joined by Christine Duncan (vocal improviser and conductor of the Element Choir), Gerard Yun (improviser, choral conductor at Conrad Grebel University College and Wilfred Laurier University, and Artistic Director of the East-West concert series), and Gary Diggins (improviser, and co-director of the Sotto Voce vocal workshops). For a portion of the session, via Skype, we will be joined by Kathy Kennedy (improvising vocalist, director of Choeur Maha and global HMMM events).

For more on Christine Duncan see:
www.barnyardrecords.com/bio%20christine.html

on Gerard Yun see:
https://uwaterloo.ca/music/people-profiles/gerard-yun

on Gary Diggins see:
http://www.garydiggins.com/biography.html

and on Kathy Kennedy see:
http://www.kathykennedy.ca/music/music.html

Anyone who would like to prepare for the discussion can peruse the websites above and/or
explore the discussion thread at http://www.choralnet.org/view/413657. The group is free and open to all.

Music Positions Available!

First Presbyterian Church is looking for an Organist/Pianist and a Choir Director First Church is looking for individuals who have the necessary qualifications
to provide music leadership in worship in two general areas:
  • playing the organ/grand piano
  • directing the choir
If a suitable candidate is identified, the positions could be combined into one position.
In our sanctuary we have a Casavant pipe organ and a Baldwin grand piano. We also include other music ministries with guitar, cello, flute and brass, to name a few.
The choir has approximately 20 members who practise each week and present anthems during worship as well as providing leadership to the congregation during the singing of hymns.
Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience
Duties to commence Feb. 1, 2014
To apply, please submit a resumé and letter of application to:
Music Committee
c/o First Presbyterian Church
2170 Albert St., Regina, SK
S4P 2T9
or by email

Click here for job descriptions.

Monday 18 November 2013

Calling Regina Choirs!

A choir is needed to perform a half hour - an hour concert of Christmas carols the afternoon of Sunday, December 8 in Regina for a family event.  Please email Jess for more information at: marbella@sasktel.net