“We practise English, make friends, and have fun …. all by singing! EVERYONE is welcome”
IN HALIFAX: Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 pm (18:00-20:00) at Harbour United Church (corner of Coburg and Robie)
Contact: info@newcomerchoir.com
IN ST. JOHN’S: Sundays, 2:00-3:30 pm (14:00-15:30) at Amal Unite & Empower Centre, 7 Ricketts Road.
Contact: st.johns.newcomer.choir@gmail.com
IN LONDON, ON: Currently, this choir is not meeting.
We provide space to build community for newcomers in a joyful setting! Come to make friends and practice their English – FREE – no charge.
The Newcomer Choir Association – Canada is a federally registered not-for-profit agency, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and operated by a team of musicians, educators, and other community volunteers. Our Association was founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia in November 2021.
We are funded by grants, donations, sponsorships, and payment for performances. We are grateful for donations provided by the community.
DONATE HERE:
“I can sing beautiful songs and make new friends and improve my English. Best of all, the teachers are so kind, so friendly.” – Halifax Newcomer Choir singer
“This project is so important for us. For those who like to sing, it is amazing. I think my best day in the week is Tuesday!” – Halifax Newcomer Choir singer
“There is nothing I love more than singing in the Halifax Newcomer Choir! As a Canadian English speaker, I enjoy learning about different cultures, and the experiences of new Canadians. The songs are so much fun, and I especially enjoy our performances. I could not think of a better way to spend my Tuesday evenings!” -Halifax Newcomer Choir Member, and Canadian musician
Halifax Newcomer Choir strives to be a welcoming, barrier-free space where immigrants, refugees, newcomers, locals, and their families can be welcomed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I’m not musical. I’ve never sung before. I’ve never sung in choir. Is it OK for me to come to the choir?
YES! You are in the right place. You are welcome. We would love to meet you. Most of our members had not sung at all before coming to choir. We teach you how to sing and we practice English together. All levels of skill are welcome.
I don’t speak English. Can I come?
YES! You are welcome. We will help you. This is a friendly group.
I am new to Halifax, but I am not an immigrant. I moved from another place in Canada. Can I come?
Yes! Everyone can come. We are called the Halifax Newcomer Choir, but we encourage locals, and newcomers from other parts of Canada to come also. No one is turned away.
I’m an experienced choral singer, used to singing high level, SATB music. Is this a good choir for me?
It might be, and we might be a bit different than what you are used to. We do not sing in four-part harmony, and generally we do not sing with scores (sheet music). We learn most pieces orally, using call and response techniques. Occasionally we use a score to practice reading music. We are still learning how to sing in rounds or with more than one part. If you are open to a simpler approach to singing, and you are willing to be patient in rehearsals, you will have fun and enjoy the group!
The logo for the Newcomer Choir Association – Canada was generously designed for us by Adam Bali of Yellow Sticker
