Sing at the Centre

Sing at the Centre

So Many Reasons to Join Us!

Welcome to our Choral Music Program! Whether you’re a seasoned singer or new to choral music, we invite you to join us for an exciting season of music-making and community-building.

Our program offers high-quality music and vocal education and enrichment for singers of all ages and skill levels. As a multigenerational program, we offer the unique opportunity for continuity of participation across the ensembles, fostering intergenerational teamwork and lifelong friendships.

Joining our choral program is not just about singing; it’s about finding your people and connecting with others who share your love for music. Singing, especially in a group setting, offers numerous health benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a diverse selection of repertoire, sharing perspectives and stories through music.

As a chorister, you’ll have the chance to perform in some of the Centre’s world-class venues, including The Mack Theatre and The Sobey Family Theatre. In addition, you’ll receive discounts for other Centre and community events, such as concerts and workshops.

Come be a part of our supportive musical community. Register below and let your voice be heard! 

The Centre’s choral music program is supported by Maritime Electric

About the Choral Music Program

The Choral Music Program consists of three ensembles: the Junior Youth Chorus for ages 8-10, the Intermediate Youth Chorus for ages 10-18, and the Confederation Singers for ages 18 and up. Each ensemble presents a series of annual concerts along with additional performance opportunities and creative collaborations. Previous musical experience is certainly an asset, but is not required. Anyone who can match pitch with their voice and is interested in collective singing is invited to explore the Centre’s choral opportunities!

Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on the pursuit of excellent musical technique, expression, and ensemble; engagement with a diverse selection of repertoire that is interesting, challenging, fun, and thematically meaningful for both performers and audience; and the development of a welcoming and inclusive space in which to work together.

The mission of the program is for all members of the community to feel empowered to sing, connect, and be inspired. We strive to build capable and compassionate choral musicians whose skills carry over to enrich many other aspects of their lives.

Registration

Come sing with us! The 2024-2025 season is open for registration below.

Individual 10-15 minute voice checks take place before the start of each season to assess aural skills, vocal technique, and musicianship, to determine voice part placement, and to help meet the needs of each chorister as part of the ensemble.

Any curious but undecided singers are invited to book a trial voice check and/or attend the first rehearsal of the season to see if singing at the Centre is a good fit for them!

Below you can register for the Confederation Singers and Youth Chorus. In a two step process you will be asked to fill out and submit an online form (below) and then will be presented with online payment options.

Nick MacDonald, Director of Choral Music 

Nick MacDonald is a conductor, educator, and performer dedicated to exploring the power of group singing to inspire joy, creativity, and connection in people of all ages. Nick was born in Boston and grew up in New Hampshire where he began guitar lessons at age 10 and had his first choral experience in a Beatles choir camp the following year. This was the beginning of a lifelong passion for music, and he has since become known for offering inclusive spaces in which all feel welcome to learn, grow, and share their own authentic voice.

After completing his Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of Southern Maine, Nick continued his private vocal studies with tenor Mark Sprinkle of the Blue Heron Renaissance Choir, and has participated in numerous workshops and master classes with choral leaders including Rollo Dilworth, Hilary Apfelstadt, John William Trotter, Caron Daley, and Craig Jessop. He has worked as a choral director and music teacher in public and private schools, churches, and community choruses, and as a private instructor in voice and guitar. Before relocating to Prince Edward Island in 2017, he served as Choral Director at the Waynflete School and Music Director of the Tri-City Community Chorus.

Since moving to PEI, Nick has offered voice and movement workshops as part of the arts education program at Confederation Centre of the Arts, as well as classes and performances for young children through Family Place and the Summerside Arts Festival. He has also performed as a bass-baritone with Luminos Ensemble and Under the Spire Music Festival’s “Spire Choir.”

To learn more or for questions