Virtual NBYC 2020-2021: October 2020 - May 2021
Clinicians François Ouimet, Dr. Julia Davids, Dr. Michael Zaugg
Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Choir was put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, even as other activities are resuming, it is likely that
choir will continue to be constrained by the pandemic for some time to come. So, to help young New
Brunswick singers build their musical skills and to maintain their connection to mentors and fellow singers
during this gap, the NBCF is launching the Virtual New Brunswick Youth Choir.
We are not trying to replace the in-person choral experience — that’s impossible — but to sustain our choral
lives and our connections with one another while the pandemic limits us, to explore a different way of working
and creating, and to practice different skills.
General Information. The Virtual NBYC will have four different conductors. François Ouimet, Dr. Julia Davids,
Dr. Michael Zaugg, and a conductor to be determined, will provide musical leadership for one song each, in
turn, over the course of the coming year. One song will be prepared by late November 2020 under one
conductor, a second song for early in the new year under a different conductor, and so on for February/March
and culminating in May 2021. Each conductor will have their own approach to repertoire, rehearsal and
performance, so singers will have a varied experience of different conductors’ approaches.
Commitment. There may be one or two virtual meetings of the choir for each song, depending on each
conductor’s rehearsal plan. Singers are otherwise expected to prepare the music largely on their own. The
singers will record and submit a vocal recording, guided by a rehearsal track, which will be mixed into a virtual
performance. We do not expect to record video of the singers singing their parts, but we will be looking for
creative ways to incorporate the singers visually, as well as audibly, into the virtual performance.
Eligibility. Singers aged 16-30 are eligible. Candidates should have some singing experience and it is strongly
recommended that they be able to read music. Singers must provide their own computers with the capability
to record digital audio, and their own internet access. Singers are not expected to go to any additional
expense for software or hardware.
Cost. $20 application fee to help defray the costs of this program. This fee includes all music and rehearsals
for the full program. The fee should accompany the c.v. or the audition video/audio.
Complete audition details, and other details are available at: nbcfsite.wordpress.com
Or email any questions to the NBCF office at nbchoralfed@gmail.com
PO Box 714, Station A, Fredericton NB E3B 5B4 | (506) 478-2875 | nbchoralfed@gmail.com | nbcfsite.wordpress.com
