Choral Music
Sing at the Centre
The Choral Music Program consists of three ensembles: the Junior Youth Chorus for ages approx. 8-12, the Intermediate Youth Chorus for ages approx. 12-18, and the Confederation Singers for adults aged 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 no audition is required. Anyone who loves to sing 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.
Individual vocal check-ins take place over the course of each season to assess voice part placement, assist in vocal and musical technique, and address any challenges with the aim of supporting all singers in having the best experience possible.
The Centre’s choral music program is supported by Maritime Electric
Registration
Come sing with us! Registration for the Centre’s choral music program closed on January 30, 2024, but will be opening again later in the spring! Please watch this space for updates. Anyone
who loves to sing is invited to try a Centre choir, no audition necessary. Any curious but undecided singers are invited to attend the first rehearsal of the session and see how they like singing at the Centre.
Please complete the registration form and submit it via email to [email protected] or in hard copy to the arts education box located at the Victoria Row entrance.
Both the form and the fee must be received in order for registration to be considered complete.
Youth Chorus
Rehearsals for the spring session are underway for the Intermediate Youth Chorus (ages 12-18) and take place Tuesdays 6:00-7:30p.m. in the Old Library at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Registration for the spring session closed on January 30, 2024.
Rehearsals for the spring session are underway for the Junior Youth Chorus (ages 8-12) and take place Thursdays 6:00-7:00p.m. in the Old Library at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Registration for the spring session closed on January 30, 2024.
Registration for the Fall season will open late March 2024
Confederation Singers
Rehearsals for the spring session are underway for Confederation Singers (adults age 18+) and take place Mondays 7:00-9:00p.m. in the Old Library at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Registration for the spring session closed on January 30, 2024.
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.”
Learn more about Arts Education
Contact 902-628-6134 or [email protected]