Call for Applications

2014 John Hobday Awards in Arts Management

Information/Guidelines
Deadline: September 30, 2014

Are you an established or mid-career arts manager? Are you looking for professional development or mentorship opportunities? The John Hobday Award in Arts Management offers up to two awards of $10,000 annually.

Upcoming Concert!

O CANADA OUR HOME - Songs & Stories of Canada 

45th Anniversary - Cross-Canada Tour

With the British Columbia Boys Choir and Abbotsford Virtuosi

Location: Grace Westminster United Church, Saskatoon
Date: Tuesday July 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets available at McNally Robinson Booksellers: Adults - $20 Youth - $10

Join the British Columbia Boys Choir as they celebrate Canada and their 45th Anniversary by travelling across the country with their award-winning Artistic Director, Tony Araujo, and Associate Conductor, Edette Gagne, and guests, the Abbotsford Virtuosi violin ensemble, directed by Calvin Dyck.  Members of the Choir and ensemble range in age from 10 to19, and come from Greater Vancouver communities and central Vancouver Island. They will be on the road for almost a month (June 27 - July 25), singing and playing together in Montreal, Ottawa, Gros Morne National Park, Corner Brook, Sydney Mines, Lunenburg, Charlottetown, Saint John , Stratford, Huntsville, Wawa, Neepawa, Saskatoon and Banff before venturing back home through the Rockies.

O CANADA OUR HOME - Songs & Stories of Canada includes choral favourites from across Canada, composed by Canadians, like Northwest Passage , Song for the Mira , I’se the B’y , This is My Home , Song for Canada , Wood River , J’entends le Moulin , and Frobisher Bay . The Choir will also premiere the newly commissioned piece, Go into the Glory of the Woods by Vancouver composer Brian Tate. The Abbotsford Virtuosi will accompany the Choir throughout then take the stage with the energetic, toe-tapping, choreographed Prairie Swing, Nickel Rag, Canticle for an Angel – and more!

The Choir – Since its inception in 1968, the Choir has trained over 900 young singers (many of whom have become professional musicians and broadcasters) and has represented Canada around the globe. They have won the hearts of audiences everywhere and received acclaim in the Netherlands, Europe, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, China, South America, the United States - and Canada. Says Araujo; “It’s such a wonderful opportunity and fantastic cultural experience for these young artists to perform Canadian choral music across our own great nation – visiting each province, from sea to sea.”

For more information visit bcboyschoir.org - Inspiring Excellence!

Call for Clinicians & Counsellors!

We're looking for counsellors and instructors for our Jr. Glee Summer Music & Movement Camp happening July 21 - 24, 2014 in Saskatoon.  Find out more at the links below - apply by 4:30pm on Friday, July 4, 2014.

Music & Movement Camp Instructors (Music/Instrumental, Choral/Voice, Dance/Choreography):
http://saskjobs.ca/jsp/joborder/detail.jsp?job_order_id=581036

Music & Movement Camp Counsellors:
http://saskjobs.ca/jsp/joborder/detail.jsp?job_order_id=581029
 
Junior Glee Summer Music & Movement Camp is a summer music camp offered by the Saskatchewan Choral Federation in partnership with a local community organization and is committed to engaging young people.  Throughout the week campers sing together, learn new instruments and experience a variety of other arts activities.  Find out more here.

Audition for SK Express!

Saskatchewan Express offers the opportunity to spend an amazing season touring the province to performers wherever they live in Saskatchewan.  Performers in Saskatchewan Express have the opportunity to enhance their performing skills, travel the province meeting new people and seeing new places.  Auditions for the 2014-2015 Winter Tour will be held in Regina on June 28 & 29. Vocalists female and male, are encouraged to audition and can book an audition time by phoning Saskatchewan Express at 306-522-3402 or e-mail michele@saskatchewanexpress.com.

Find out more here

Choir Skirts For Sale!

The Swift Current Comprehensive High School Choral Association is selling 50 black A-Line Skirts used as choir uniform.  They are polyester material, have an elastic waist and a full skirt.  We are selling them for $500 or 25 for $250. 

For more information call Elaine Derksen at 306-773-6529 or e-mail m.derksen@sasktel.net

Call For Performers!

Showcase Your Culture at Music Mosaic!

We are looking for cultural musicians to perform short acoustic sets at Music Mosaic on Sunday, September 28, 2014 in Regina and Saskatoon. Part of the Canada-wide Culture Days festivities, Music Mosaic is a unique musical experience highlighting and celebrating Saskatchewan's rich cultural diversity.

When
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Time
1:00PM – 2:00PM, perform 10 - 15 minutes
Where
Bandstand in Wascana Park, Regina
River Landing Amphitheatre, Saskatoon

A small honorarium will be available to performers. Maximum of 6 performance spots available at each venue.

Find out how you can be involved here

Mark Your Calendars For Optimist ChorFest SK 2015!

Celebrate Singing at Optimist ChorFest SK 2015!
Sing together, learn together and share the beauty and power of choral music in a non-competitive supportive festival setting.

Perform and workshop your own music with some of Canada’s most accomplished choral, vocal jazz and barbershop harmony clinicians.

Find out more here

Call for Volunteers!

Jr Glee Music & Movement Camp (July 7-10, 2014 - Regina)

 Junior Glee Camp is looking for some great people to help with the following positions:

Kitchen Helper (4 x 4 hours, 1 person) Monday, July 7 – Thursday, July 10, 9:00am – 1:00pm - The kitchen helper works in the kitchen to help prepare snacks as well as distribute snacks and lunches to campers at the designated meal times throughout the day.  

Activity Helper (8 x 3 hours, variable) Monday, July 7 – Thursday, July 10, 9:00am – 12:00pm, 12:30pm – 3:30pm - Activity helpers provide support to clinicians and counsellors throughout the day by helping to keep the campers engaged and offering an extra set of eyes to supervise during their activities.   

Audience Usher (2 hours, 1 person) Thursday, July 10, 1:30pm – 3:30pm - The audience usher greets and distributes programs to everyone who comes to the final concert.  They also assist with crowd management during the final concert ensuring safety and comfort.

Set-up and Take-Down (3 hours, 2 people) Thursday, July 10, 1:00pm – 4:00pm - These people move equipment to the concert venue and help with setting up and tearing down the equipment, chairs and reception following the final concert.

If you are interested in helping in one of the areas above, please contact the SCF office by Monday, June 30, 2014 at 306-780-9230 or email information@saskchoral.ca.   Find out more about Jr Glee Camp (Regina) here 

Willi Zwozdesky Confirmed for SMC 2014!

Saskatchewan Choral Federation is eager to welcome Willi Zwozdesky as this year’s feature choral clinician at Saskatchewan Music Conference occurring November 13 – 15, 2014 at the Saskatoon Inn! Not only will Willi direct the delegate choir, but he will also lead delegates through the Treble and Mixed voice reading sessions, as well as offer his insight and enthusiasm at two additional choral sessions.

Willi Zwozdesky is widely known for his work as an arranger and as the choral conductor of the Vancouver Men’s Chorus. An active choral clinician, adjudicator and volunteer, Willi also serves as the Executive Director of the British Columbia Choral Federation. Zwozdesky’s choral arrangements appear regularly in concert programs and recordings across Canada and abroad. His choral music has been performed by leading choirs, including the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Pro Coro Canada, Elektra Women’s Choir, the Seattle Men’s Chorus, Turtle Creek Chorale, MUSE – Cincinnati Women’s Choir, Pandora’s Vox, and Chor Leoni Men’s Choir.

Find out more here

One Week Left to Apply for SYC!

Don't miss your chance to apply for Saskatchewan Youth Choir!

Applications are due Friday, June 20, 2014
Audition materials are due Monday, June 23, 2014

Click here to find out more about Saskatchewan Youth Choir

Now Accepting 2014-2015 Mentorship Applications!

Are you an emerging choral conductor and wanting to develop your conducting skills?  Consider working with an established director under SCF's Mentorship Program.

Mentorships provide a unique opportunity for training emerging choral directors.  A mentorship project provides a disciplined and intensive period of development for an emerging choral director which, in other circumstances, might take years.  The mentor will communicate and educate in an informal, relationship-based adult learning experience utilizing the most useful method of communication for both the emerging choral director and the mentor.

The program allows emerging choral directors develop professional skills by mentoring with qualified experienced choral directors and provides accomplished choral directors with a professional medium to share and reward their expertise.  Find out more about the Mentorship Program here.

Conducting Fellowship Opportunity

Canadian Chamber Choir (CCC) seeks applicants for its Conducting Fellow Program for its September 2014 New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island tour

This outstanding opportunity offers conductors a unique platform to hone their skills while preparing and rehearsing challenging repertoire under the leadership of CCC Artistic Director Dr. Julia Davids. Conductors will benefit from immersion in a professional music-making environment while on tour with the CCC.

Application Details:
Please send the following (either by email/mp3 or post) to:
CCC Artistic Director: Dr. Julia Davids
5247 Cleveland Street, Skokie, IL  60077 USA  jdavids@me.com
·  Cover letter
·  Resumé/CV including contact information for 3 references
·  List of repertoire conducted in rehearsal and performance
·  One video recording of the conductor (front view) in rehearsal or performance
·  Application fee of $25

Application deadline: June 30th, 2014.
Successful applicant will be notified by July 15th, 2014.

Successful Applicant:
·  Conducting Fellow will conduct the Canadian Chamber Choir both in rehearsal and performance. Repertoire will be decided with the Artistic Director.
·  Conducting Fellow may have the opportunity to sing with the ensemble, if appropriate.
·  Conducting Fellow is responsible for all travel expenses getting to and from Nova Scotia.
·  Conducting Fellow is responsible for a $500 tuition fee (payable to the Canadian Chamber Choir).
·  The CCC will cover all expenses during the tour (travel, room, and board).

Says Davids: "...aspiring and working conductors have the chance to experiment in communicating their own musical ideas to an established professional ensemble, with the guidance of the CCC Artistic Director and the added benefit of feedback from the singers themselves."

My experience as the 2013 Conducting Fellow of the Canadian Chamber Choir was one of the most enriching musical experiences of my life. The choir's sense of collegiality is unlike any I've ever encountered, and is matched by their professionalism and prowess as an ensemble. Professor Davids provided the perfect balance between hands-on experience and expert instruction, and continues to be an encouraging mentor since my fellowship with the choir. All aspects of my musicianship were bettered by this experience.  - Kathleen Allan, 2013 Conducting Fellow

For more information about the CCC and the Conducting Fellowship, please visit www.canadianchamberchoir.ca.

Ninth Annual Chant Workshop

EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS JULY 1!

Friday, August 22-Saturday, August 23, the Gregorian Institute of Canada will host its Ninth Annual Chant Workshop at St. Mary's Anglican Church and Holy Rosary Cathedral in Regina. Chant is one of the oldest surviving forms of choral music. In addition to being incredibly beautiful, chant has influenced the entire history of western music -- from compositions by Bach to Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Bruckner, and Stravinsky, to name only a few.

In two full days of workshops, participants will learn chant notation, ancient chant melodies, as well as sing chant-inspired choral music by Palestrina and others. The guest workshop leader is one of North America's chant experts, Alison Altstatt from the University of Northern Iowa. Each evening ends by putting chant into its original context -- a chanted service (Compline) that demonstrates how the great composers of the western tradition would have first encountered chant.  The sung service of Compline has been sung for more than a thousand years, usually by candlelight, as a way of peacefully ending the day and preparing for sleep.

For more information or to register, go to www.gregorian.ca.

"Shake Up Your Summer" With SK Express' Premiere Performance!

Upcoming Concert!

Open Show with Harmony 2 Go!

Saturday, June 7th at 5:30 p.m. 

St. James United Church, 

4506 Sherwood Drive, Regina

No charge

The show is the culmination of our coaching session with Diane Taylor to introduce our New Orleans contest songs.

SK Represents at Podium 2014!

SCF had a small but mighty group of Saskatchewan representatives in Halifax this May for Podium 2014.  Check out some pictures (c/o Kathy Stokes) from the event!

Call for Clinicians & Counsellors!

We're looking for counsellors and instructors for our Jr. Glee Summer Music & Movement Camp happening July 7 - 10, 2014 in Regina.  Find out more at the links below - apply by 4:30pm on Monday, June 9, 2014.

Music & Movement Camp Instructors (Music/Instrumental, Choral/Voice, Dance/Choreography):
http://www.saskjobs.ca/jsp/joborder/detail.jsp?job_order_id=574829

Music & Movement Camp Counsellors:
http://www.saskjobs.ca/jsp/joborder/detail.jsp?job_order_id=574833
 
Junior Glee Summer Music & Movement Camp is a summer music camp offered by the Saskatchewan Choral Federation in partnership with a local community organization and is committed to engaging young people.  Throughout the week campers sing together, learn new instruments and experience a variety of other arts activities.  Find out more here.

Calling Regina Volunteers & Peformers!

Want to support choirs & music in Saskatchewan? We’re looking for great people to help at Music For The Sole fundraiser walk/run on Sunday, June 1, 2014 with the following positions:

• Race Kit Stuffing
• Race Kit Pick-up
• Water Station Attendants
• Start/Finish Line Attendants
• Reception Crew
• Performer Hosts
• Course Marshalls
• Course Set-up/Tear Down

We're also looking for musicians to perform short acoustic sets at the Music For The Sole post-race reception.  Sign up today at  http://tinyurl.com/mftsyqrvolunteer

Questions? Contact the SCF office at 306-780-9230 or email information@saskchoral.ca

Song of the Open Road Tour Cancelled

Due to low enrollment Song of the Open Road has been cancelled.  Please contact Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society about registration refunds at shfs.fa@sasktel.net or call 306-780-9204 (Toll free: 1-800-919-9437).

Register Today for Music For The Sole in Regina!

You can still register for Music For The Sole (Regina) happening this Sunday, June 1, 2014!   

Register by Wednesday, May 28 to guarantee your spot at the starting line.

Click here to register and for more information.

CBC Choral Concert Celebrates Podium's Canadian Choirs!

CHORAL CONCERT with host Nick Halley

The best choral music from across Canada and around the world

SUNDAY May 18th, 2014 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

This is the weekend of the biannual Podium choral festival, where singers of various stripes from across North America pour into a town and flood it with song. This year the festival is in Halifax and it is happening throughout this weekend.

There are many hundreds of singers gathered in Halifax right now. They have been living, loving and celebrating Canadian amateur choral making and are going to keep doing it for 5 days straight. They are going figure out ways to sing even more over the years ahead, and then they are going to sing again, and finally at the end of all this they will leave completely exhausted but deliriously happy.

I can’t think of a better way to improve the quality of our lives, and build something inside ourselves that wasn’t there before - than to do something like that.

So this Sunday on Choral Concert Nick Halley will bring you a slate of choirs that are part of this year’s Podium, everyone from Halifax’s Camerata Singers to the brand new Winnipeg based group Antiphony.

Choral Concert, the “Podium” edition. Sunday, May 18th, 2014, 9:05 - 10:00 a.m. (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2.

LISTEN HERE

Tickets Now On Sale For Fiddler on the Roof!

Volunteers! We Want to See You at Timeraiser!

Want to volunteer with SCF?  Already doing so?

 

Join us at this year's Timeraiser event, Thursday, May 8 at 6:30PM at the Conexus Arts Centre and make your valuable volunteer hours go even further!

What is Timeraiser?



Timeraiser is a volunteer matching and silent art auction evening with a twist- rather than bid money on artwork, participants bid volunteer hours. Throughout the evening participants meet with nonprofit organizations to find available volunteer opportunities that meet their needs. Once matches are made, the bidding can begin. Winning bidders have 12 months to complete their pledge in order to bring the artwork home as a reminder of their goodwill.  Find out more about Regina Timeraiser here >>

Get tickets here! 

Sell Tickets through Eventbrite

Support the Creative Kids Sparkle Raffle!

Dear Friend of Creative Kids:

Thanks to our wonderful friend Scott Olson from Olson Goldsmiths,  we are able to offer you the chance to win a $2,000 diamond pendant! This gorgeous ladies 14K gold sapphire and diamond pendant donated by Olson Goldsmiths is valued at $2,000.

Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased online by residents of Saskatchewan by clicking HERE.
Tickets are also on sale at the SaskCulture office, or by calling 306-780-9361

The winner of this raffle will be drawn at random on May 24, 2014 at the RCMP Charity Ball Gala.
The person with the winning ticket does not need to be in attendance at the time of the draw and will be notified within 5 days of the draw date.

All of the raffle proceeds will be used to support Creative Kids Saskatchewan.  Good luck and thank you for your support!

Christie Nenson

Creative Kids Fund Development
404 – 2125 11th Ave
Regina, SK        S4P 3X3
Ph:   306-780-9461
Fax:  306-780-9252
Email:  cnenson@saskculture.sk.ca
Web:  www.creativekidssask.ca

Interested in Chant?

"A Quiet Night and a Perfect End”

CHANT & CHORAL MUSIC of EARLY CHRISTIANITY

Ninth Annual Workshop of the Gregorian Institute of Canada (GIC)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 ― SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Holy Rosary Cathedral & St. Mary’s Anglican Church
Regina, SK

WORKSHOP LEADER
Alison Altstatt (University of Northern Iowa)
 

GUEST PRESENTERS
Valerie Hall (Holy Rosary Cathedral), Jonathan Achtzehner (Luther Bach Choir)

Whether beginner or experienced, immerse yourself in two days of chant: singing from chant notation, ancient hymnody and psalmody, and early Christian choral music.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

You're Invited!

SK Choral Federation is hosting an Open Rehearsal with Harmony 2 Go and the North Central Fiddle Program celebrating Youth Week with the City of Regina and everyone is invited!  Bring your friends today to the SCF Music Centre (125 Hamilton Street) from 5:00PM - 8:00PM for Music, Singing, Food, Prizes & Fun! 

SYC Update: New Application Process!

We've updated our application process for Saskatchewan Youth Choir - now instead of needing to be recommended by a teacher to audition for SYC, students can also apply on their own!

To apply for an audition, please send an email to with the following information:
First Name
Last Name
Email
Voice Part 

Applications for auditions are due May 21, 2014

Once a student has applied or been recommended by their teacher, the student will be sent a link to the online Chorister Questionnaire as well as the benchmark music piece. All audition materials must be received before 5:00PM on Monday, June 23, 2014.

Click here to find out more about the application & audition process.

Don't Miss the Bus for Song of the Open Road!

Song of the Open Road is a five day guided cultural singing tour of Saskatchewan.  It starts in south-west Saskatchewan and stops at museums, historic sites and art studios and galleries as it winds it way northward. On this tour you’ll experience the beauty of Renaissance master artworks, discover the mysteries of the St. Victor Petroglyphs, explore the Shurniak Art Gallery, visit the historic churches that comprise Sagebrush Studio and much, much more. More than 15 sites just like these are waiting for you to explore and experience!

This trip’s not all about visual exploration. As part of the tour, you will rehearse and perform a short concert program with award winning conductor, Dr. Victoria Meredith, Professor and Associate Dean with the Don Wright Faculty of Music Talbot College at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.

FIND OUT MORE & REGISTER HERE

Register Today For Music For The Sole!

There are still spaces left for your choir to be involved in this year's Music For The Sole!  Don't be left at the starting gate - register today to make sure your choir cashes in on the benefits!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR MUSIC FOR THE SOLE REGINA

Find out more information and see how the Music For The Sole fundraiser walk/run can help your choir here!

Help Support Harmony 2 Go!

Upcoming Concert!

Are you registered for Podium 2014?

You're Invited to Bring Your Song to Podium 2014 Choralscapes!

Choral highlights of Podium 2014 include:

* Keynote Presentation “Music of the Spheres” – a multimedia feast of music and photography featuring Cmd. Chris Hadfield, the Amadeus Choir and Roberta Bondar
* Opening concert featuring Edmonton’s Pro Coro (Michael Zaugg) and Halifax’s Camerata Singers (Jeff Joudrey)
* The 2014 National Youth Choir of Canada, conducted by Halifax native, Hilary Apfelstadt
 The Grammy Award-winning Kansas City Chorale, conducted by Charles Bruffy
* Two conducting masterclasses, led by Hilary Apfelstadt and Len Ratzlaff
* A chance to watch Franscisco Núñez in action, rehearsing for a Highlight Concert in celebration of youth
* 19 guest choirs, over 1000 singers, 25 interest sessions plus roundtable discussions and reading sessions

>> Visit the Podium 2014 page

Celebrate Saskatchewan's Choral Leaders!

The Choral Federation recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Saskatchewan choral community and is now accepting nominations for the following awards:

Community Service Award
Recognizes the contribution of an individual or group to the development of choral music in their community. 

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. 

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.

Awards will be presented in November 2014 in Saskatoon.  Forms, fees and supporting materials are due September 1st.   The nomination form and additional information are available here>>

Calling Young Choir Conductors!

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.  A maximum of one award may be presented each year.  The scholarship will consist of a six-month mentorship with an accomplished choral conductor and a cash award of $250.
The

Applications are due September 1st.  More information available here.

Calling Young SK Singers! Apply to SYC!

Call for Nominations!

Help shape the voice of choral music in Saskatchewan!

The nomination committee is seeking potential candidates for the SCF Board of Directors.  Elections will be held to fill six (6) positions for terms of two years at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Saskatoon Inn.

To make a nomination to the Board of Directors, complete a nomination form and submit along with a brief biography of the nominee to the Saskatchewan Choral Federation (125 Hamilton Street, REGINA, SK  S4R 2A3) by October 1.

More information and nomination forms can be found on our website.

2014 artsVest Sponsorship Workshops

artsVest Saskatchewan is a sponsorship training and matching incentive program created by Business for the Arts and delivered with funding from Canadian Heritage and the Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport.  The program's goal is to assist Saskatchewan's small and mid-sized arts, culture and heritage organizations in the development of new and mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses.

artsVest is holding information workshops across the province from May 13-28 - Register now!

Spaces are still open on the Song of the Open Road Tour!

Don't miss your chance to tour the province singing under the direction of Dr. Victoria Meredith.

Dr. Meredith's last visit to Saskatchewan was as guest conductor of the acclaimed National Youth Choir of Canada.  Dr. Meredith serves as Associate Dean and co-ordinator of choral activities at Western University.  She teaches choral conducting and conducts the award-winning Western University Singers, and holds degrees in music education (Indiana University), voice performance (University of Northern Colorado), and choral conducting (University of Arizona).  Choirs under her direction have received numerous honours and awards, including CBC Choral Competition prizes, performance awards from the Canadian Music Educators Association, the Jack Richardson Award and the London Music Award.

Book by May 15 to receive a discounted rate.  

More information here.

Show Your Support - Sponsor a National Youth Choir Singer!

Dear Choral Colleagues,

The 2014 National Youth Choir, consisting of singers from every province and territory in Canada, will gather in Nova Scotia for a week-long residency this May with guest conductor Hilary Apfelstadt, Director of Choral Programs at the University of Toronto, before embarking on a tour of the Maritime Provinces culminating in a gala final performance at Podium 2014 in Halifax.

The budget for this major project runs in excess of $83,000 and covers professional fees for the conductor and accompanist, a new work by Canadian composer, Peter Togni, commissioned especially for NYC 2014 and music, travel and accommodation for 40+ singers and up to 5 staff every day for two weeks.

The NYC Committee and ACCC administration are continuing to work diligently to secure funding for this vital programme, and although there have been some positive results, cutbacks to the arts and non-profit sectors are increasing as government on all levels pare back funding in these areas. This is why we are reaching out to our national choral community, to those people who most recognize and appreciate the value of the National Youth Choir program.

For $85 you can send one singer to the Podium Gala Banquet. A gift of $100 will cover the cost of one night's accommodation and meals for one singer. Or, join our "Adopt a Singer" programme and sponsor one singer for $500! Each and every donation, in any amount, will be sincerely appreciated.

Click on Canada Helps to make a secure and immediate contribution. You will receive a charitable Income Tax receipt via e-mail directly from Canada Helps and your donation will be gratefully acknowledged in the NYC programme.

If you prefer you may make a cheque payable to the Canadian Choral Foundation, designate it for NYC and mail to:
ACCC
A-1422 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON
M4G 3A7
Canada

Thank you in advance for your generous support for the 2014 NYC,
Robert Neufeld
NYC Chair

Upcoming Concert!

Does Your Choir Need More Funds?

Look no further than Music For The Sole!

Move to the groove & raise funds for your choir!  Participants collect pledges on behalf of their choir to support their involvement in their choice of a 5KM walk, a 5KM run, or a 10KM run.  Funds raised by participating choir members will directly benefit their choir.

SCF member choirs receive up to 60% and non-member choirs receive up to 40% of the funds they raise.  The remainder is used to support SCF programs & services.

FIND OUT HOW YOUR CHOIR CAN BE INVOLVED HERE

Help Out Singing OUT!

Ontario's Singing OUT would like your help!  They have over 100 members and would like to find out if they are the largest LGBTQ  mixed Choir in Canada.  If you're part of or know of an LGBTQ choir that could rival Singing OUT, let us know at information@saskchoral.ca or call the SCF office at 306-780-9230 (Toll free 1-877-524-6725).

Optimist ChorFest Steak Night Fund Raiser

Did you enjoy ChorFest?  

The Optimist Club of Regina is holding a Steak Night to raise funds for next year's ChorFest.  Let's show them we appreciate their support and involvement while we get together to enjoy a great meal at a very reasonable price!

WHAT:  Steak Night Fund Raiser
PLACE:  Ricky's All Day Grill (Seven Oaks Inn, 777 Albert Street)
DATE:  Thursday, April 10th
WHEN:  Come & Go between 5:00 & 8:00 pm
COST:  $25.00 per person includes steak, potato, side and drink (coffee/tea/pop/draft or bottle of Labatt's beer).  Children's menu available (prices range from $5.50 to $7.00)
TICKETS:  Contact the SCF office at (306) 780-9230 or e-mail information@saskchoral.ca by April 6, 2014

The Optimist Club of Regina were MAJOR sponsors of ChorFest and they want to keep working with us.  Come and bring your choir and let's make it happen!

Upcoming Concert!

Thank You For Coming!

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the grand opening of the SCF Music Centre! We were excited to share this day with so many friends both new and old.  We had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Mark Docherty, MLA Regina Coronation Park, to the Music Centre and were pleased to have The Broletariat, Jason Yuen and Jocal Vazz perform and share their music.  Stop by and see us anytime at the new SCF Music Centre!

Is Your Choir Travelling This Summer?

The ACCC Advocacy Committee is compiling a list of choirs who will be traveling (provincially, nationally, as well as internationally) over the course of the summer and fall of 2014. They would like to display a map at Podium with pins to show Canada's choral footprint!

If your choir is planning on going anywhere this summer or fall we'd like to know about it.  Please contact  the Amanda at the SCF office at information@saskchoral.ca and Joel (ACCC Advocacy Committee) at joeltranquilla@gmail.com to let us know where you are headed. 

Make Your Voice Heard!

The Association of Canadian Choral Communities (ACCC), Canada's national
choral affiliation, has written to CBC protesting their reduction in
choral programming.  Choral Concert heard weekly on CBC Radio Two Sunday
mornings has been shortened to one hour per week from the previous two
hours.  Copies of the letter sent to CBC can be found here:

CBC Letter (English)

CBC Letter (French)

You are invited to support this national advocacy effort by letting CBC
know that choral music is important to Canadians.  Programs that celebrate
Canadian choral singing, like Sunday morning's Choral Concert are inherent
to Canadian culture and must remain on air in their full format to
strengthen and support Canadian choirs and their conductors as well as the
Canadian choral music composition industry.

Please forward your comments to Mr. Mark Steinmetz, Director, Music
Programming - English Services, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, P.O.
Box 500, Station A, TORONTO, ON  M5W 1E6.  Mr. Steinmetz can also be
reached at:  mark.steinmetz@cbc.ca

Calling Young Composers!

The Sask New Music Festival is inviting young composers to submit their compositions for the student composition masterclass that will once again be part of the festival.  The 3rd annual Sask New Music Festival will be held in Saskatoon from June 13-15 and this year’s clinician will be Regina’s David McIntyre. 

The objective of the masterclass is to give young composers a chance to have their music played professionally, discussed, and critiqued by composers, as well as having the opportunity to give them a chance to be exposed to other styles, ideas and repertoire.  This is NOT a competition.  Participating students will also be given free admission to a festival concert of their choice.

Parents, teachers and friends are invited to attend.  Contact Janet Gleck (ljgieck@sasktel.net) for more information.

Remembering John Trepp

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Trepp.

John M. Trepp, retired music educator, spent 30 years building a quality choral music program at Magee Secondary School, Vancouver, BC.  While at Magee, Trepp’s choirs toured, cliniced and performed in Canada, the USA, Europe, Australia, Hawaii, Thailand and most recently in Russia.  J. Trepp came to Canada from Hal Leonard Publishing Co., where he served as Senior Choral Editor for two years. He also taught at high school & university levels in Minnesota, North Dakota, Alaska, and Montana. He was a strong disciple and advocate of the late eminent conductor, Mr. Robert Shaw.

John was the founding Chair of the Canadian Choral Festival, advisor to the Banff Music festival, a life member of ACDA, and he established choral departments for Northwest Musical Services, Long & McQuade (formerly Ward Music) and Tom Lee Music. He was most recently Artist-in-Residence and Choral Consultant to Vancouver School Board, where he directed the 32-voice District Youth Honour Choir.

John worked with many Saskatchewan choirs and he will be deeply missed.  We extend our condolences to John's family, friends and choirs both past and present.  We cherish our memories and the legacy he leaves.

Saskatchewan Sings at Optimist ChorFest Saskatchewan!

On February 8 – 12, 2014, the first Optimist ChorFest Saskatchewan was held in Regina at Knox Metropolitan United Church. A total of 18 choirs from Esterhazy, Moose Jaw, Regina, Rosthern and Saskatoon took part in the festival. The clinicians were Dr. Elroy Friesen of Winnipeg, MB, Dr. Mark Sirett of Kingston, ON, and Jordan Travis of Burlington, ON.  Dr. Dominic Gregorio of Regina, SK was also a clinician on Wednesday, February 12.

The festival was divided into performance & workshop “pods” that each consisted of 1 – 3 choirs. Choirs came for their scheduled pod and following a 15-minute warm-up, performed for 15 minutes for the clinicians and the other choirs in their pod. Following each performance, choirs received a 15-minute on stage adjudication from one of the clinicians.  Once each choir had performed and worked with a clinician on stage, they moved to separate areas to work more intensively with another clinician for 30 minutes. There were two pods for everyday of the festival except Wednesday (half day).  Thank you clinicians, participants, volunteers & sponsors for your help in making Optimist ChorFest Saskatchewan 2014 a success!

Click here for more photos and information about Optimist ChorFest 2014!

You're invited!

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