HERE IS YOUR SECOND CHANCE!
The Second Chances Community Music Program of Nova Scotia has started a vocal ensemble and we are looking for singers (novice OR experienced) from our community to join us.
PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR:
Chuck Homewood
Check out his Bio HERE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
“Pop” choir as in popular will draw its’ repertoire from contemporary commercial music of all genres. Depending on ability the choir will perform in unison to four part harmony and beyond. Arrangements of blues, jazz, folk, swing, movie music and musical theatre styles will be explored. The Singers will also serve as the “house” singers for collaborative works with the Second Chances instrumental ensembles. All are welcome in an inclusive and safe environment of community engagement.
TO REGISTER:
You can register for the next season HERE
For more information, contact: Chris D. Ward, B.Mus, B.MusEd, MIR Diploma Second Chances Community Band Program of NS Executive Director, Conductor and Instructor
HERE IS YOUR SECOND CHANCE!
The Second Chances Community Music Program is always looking for new players from our community to join any of our ensembles. We accept both amateur players with various levels of ability as well as absolute beginners. There is a brand new beginner session that starts every September!
PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR:
Serena Godmaire
Check out his Bio HERE
WEEKLY REHEARSAL NIGHT:
Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm
Aurora North End Parish Church, 5666 Sebastian Street, Halifax, NS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The beginner band program is intended for those individuals who have either never picked up a musical instrument before, or those who played many years ago and need a ‘refresher’ on both reading and technique. The band will meet once a week and instruction will be in a positive and supportive group setting.
TO REGISTER:
You can register for the beginner band HERE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris D. Ward, B.Mus, B.MusEd Second Chances Community Band Program of NS Executive Director, Conductor and Instructor
Annapolis Basin Community Band Festival Hosted by: Annapolis Basin Community Band, Annapolis Royal NS When: July 18-20, 2025 Where: Annapolis Royal Academy (590 St George St, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0)
2025 Band Levels Band Fest will feature two bands! The Champlain Band for intermediate-advanced players and the MacKay Band for beginning-intermediate players.
Pre registration is very helpful to us for assembling the music folders ahead of time. Register by July 1, 2025 to receive early bird discount! Looking forward to seeing everyone!
2025 Venue The Academy, Annapolis Royal 590 St George St, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0
2025 Final Concert Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 2:00pm Location: TBA
2025 Cost: The registration fee is $100 per participant ($90 if paid before July 1st), $70 for each additional family musician. Full time students pay a reduced fee of $50. This price includes instruction time, coffee breaks and a Saturday evening dinner and dance.
2025 Accommodation: For a list of accommodation options and prices, please visit www.annapolisroyal.com
The Second Chances Community Music of Nova Scotia is only one of the many community-based musical ensembles in the Atlantic provinces. Together, these many ensembles create a musical network and supportive family that helps promote musical learning and ensemble playing for everyone at any stage of life. The community band festivals, hosted in different communities throughout Nova Scotia each year, are an opportunity for the many members of this Atlantic Canadian musical family to come together, learn from each others experience, celebrate each others successes, build lasting friendships, and make memorable music together.
We are hosting the 10th Annual Halifax Community Band Festival during the weekend of May 23rd through 25th, 2025 and we hope you will consider joining us! The Band Fest committee has begun the process of organizing and raising the necessary funds to make this valuable community band weekend a success! There is much work to do in preparation for what could potentially become the largest community band festival in Atlantic Canada!
2016 PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
THE HALIFAX COMMUNITY BAND FESTIVAL – AN OVERVIEW
2017 PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
THE MACKAY “MUSIC FOR LIFE” LEARNING BAND
2018 PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
THE HARGREAVES ADVANCED BAND
2019 PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
AN ORIGINAL WORK FOR BAND COMMISSIONED
The Halifax Community Band Festival offers three levels of playing ensemble:
1. A Beginner Ensemble, called the Ron MacKay band – for players with 1-2 years of experience. Who is Ron MacKay, you ask? Find out here: Ron MacKay Bio
2. An Intermediate Ensemble, called the Chris Ward band – for players with 2-3 years of playing experience.
3. An Advanced Ensemble, called the James H. Hargreaves band – for players with more than 3 years of experience. Who is James Hargreaves, you ask? Find out here: James H. Hargreaves Bio (coming soon)
Our hope is that all three ensembles will be made up of players from many different community bands and orchestras from all over Atlantic Canada. Please consider wearing your ensemble’s performance attire in the final concert to reflect the number of groups represented at the festival.
Please take some time to explore the Halifax Community Band Festival related web pages located under the Hfx Band Fest 2025 drop down menu above.
– – – – – – PLEASE REGISTER FOR BAND FEST NOW !!! – – – – – –
Are you even the slightest bit interested in:
1. Meeting many other community band players from all over the Atlantic Canada?
2. Playing under the baton of talented, respected and professional conductors/educators?
3. Experiencing the excitement of playing in ensembles with full instrumentation?
4. Having a fantastic weekend of musical fellowship and music making with friends?
If so, then I encourage you to REGISTER FOR BAND FEST NOW! Decisions regarding what Second Chances can afford to include as activities during the weekend event are dependent upon the number of participants. Registering now is not a firm commitment to attend, but simply an indication of interest in being there.
