Mission
To build community with newcomers and locals.
To provide free music opportunities to newcomers.
To support newcomers in their settlement goals: employment, activities, immigration, and education.
Vision
The Newcomer Choir Association seeks to provide music and language learning opportunities for all newcomers across Canada. Through community and song, we can build a country where all can feel informed, included, and ready to welcome others.
Staff
Board of Directors
Chair of the Board, 2025: Rev. Dr. Rob Fennell
Rob has been singing with the Newcomer Choir in Halifax for a number of years. He is an Associate Professor of Theology at the Atlantic School of Theology, an ordained minister, and a published author.
Grace Zhu
Grace immigrated to Canada in 2019 from China. Before arriving in Canada, she worked in banking for nearly 20 years. Grace was an active member of the Halifax Newcomer Choir in 2021, but since moving to Ontario has joined the Newcomer Choir Association – Canada as a board member. She lives in Richmond with her husband and daughter.
Saïd Allibou
Saïd is a permanent resident from Morocco and speaks English, French, and Arabic. He has a Master’s degree and currently works as the Assistant Manager of Learning at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Saïd has experience in managing cultural projects and has a background in cultural diplomacy and digital marketing, and currently volunteers at Neptune Theatre. Passionate about community and culture, Saïd is always striving to make a difference.
Kate Spencer
Kate is a marketing, communications, and project management professional who arrived in Halifax in the early spring of 2021 and found community through choir. She is a regular singer with the Halifax Camerata Singers and occasional with other choirs around the city. She is delighted to be involved with the Newcomer Choir Association – Canada to help others find their voices through singing.
Founding Chair of the Board, 2023-2025: Doug Lutz
Newcomer Choir Association - Canada 