Byward Market Sing Out - December 2016
Have you ever sung outdoors? Of course. Whether it was humming a tune, singing a tune stuck in your head, singing along with a radio or your iPod, or going through your favourite song, we know you have sung outdoors. But, have you ever sung outdoors in the winter? And have you done that for a few hours at a time? The Northern Stars Chorus has.
On two Saturdays, the 10th and 17th of December 2016, we sang Christmas songs and carols outdoors in the Byward Market, Ottawa, ON. We enjoyed singing for people out for a walk, shopping, passing by, or going for a sleigh ride - they all appreciated the Christmas music. We were located very close to the free coffee and hot chocolate stand, across the intersection from the northeast corner of the Byward Market building. We will admit that half way through our time there, we took advantage of the hot chocolate and coffee to help maintain our internal temperature. As you can see in the photo, we were located in front of the tall, illuminated Christmas tree.
The second Sunday saw a forecast of 10 to 15 cm of snow forecast leading up to the weekend and we were close to cancelling our participation. However, we recommitted to singing there and the snow fall was not as heavy as forecast. Adding to that the temperature was -3C, a little warmer than the first Sunday. Everyone in the Byward Market seemed to appreciate the snow and that it added to the Christmas and holiday spirit.
The second photo is a view nearby of the Rideau Canal, bundled up for winter, as some of us saw it walking to our venue.
Northern Stars Chorus singing in the Byward Market in December 2016
Rideau Canal, December 2016
Singing Valentines Delivery - 14 February 2014
Our chorus quartet, Measure For Measure, was on the road in the Ottawa region delivering Singing Valentines on a snowy Valentines Day. The quartet delivered many Singing Valentines each of which included a live rose, a box of premium chocolates, a card, and two love songs. The quartet members appreciated being part of this program run by the Capital City Chorus and really enjoyed singing for a variety of recipients.
Below is a pleasantly surprised Heather at Just Imagine Home and Garden Decor in Manotick having received her Singing Valentine.
Singing Valentines delivery
February 14, 2014
Northern Stars Chorus Facilitates Scholarship for Storm Surge (2013)
Storm Surge is the glee club of South Carleton High School in Richmond, ON. They have been performing for several years and have enjoyed a number of talented youth enter and pass through their ranks.
Three years ago the Nepean Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Northern Stars Chorus, established a connection with teachers Jamie McIntyre and Jennifer Britton. We were interested in promoting and helping to develop local youth musical talent.
Storm Surge was invited to be our guest on the Northern Stars Chorus's spring show. They have performed with us for the past two years and been very well received by our audience and the chorus.
We recognized difficulties Storm Surge was facing regarding funding to operate their program. As an extracurricular activity at South Carleton, school funding was restricted. We were aware of support provided by Sing Canada Harmony for vocal music, particularly in schools and communities and we applied for a scholarship on behalf of Storm Surge.
Our application was successful. Below Keith Lindsey (right), Youth in Harmony Representative for the Northern Stars Chorus is presenting the scholarship cheque to teacher Jamie McIntyre.
Presentation of Scholarship cheque from Sing Canada Harmony to Jamie McIntyre of South Carleton High School
Storm Surge is very excited to receive financial support from Sing Canada Harmony. The scholarship will encourage and allow them to explore new avenues and opportunities for singing and performing. They will be able to
- receive quality coaching toward competition and other performances,
- consider a greater selection of music to purchase,
- expand their music library and repertoire,
- encourage youth to perform at a higher level,
- provide a richer music experience for the youth in Storm Surge,
- provide a higher level of performance at school assemblies and events,
- generate greater pride in classmates, siblings, parents, and members of the community,
- generate greater interest amongst students in singing, musical performing, and music in general.
The scholarship has already kick started them for the next season with the purchase of their first sheet music 'On My Own' from Les Miserables.
The Northern Stars Chorus is very pleased and proud to provide support to youth in music, help Sing Canada Harmony fulfill their objectives, and provide expanded experiences for youth and their music.
If you would like to learn more about Sing Canada Harmony or support them, you can find what you need at http://www.singcanadaharmony.ca/
Keith Lindsey, May 2013
Youth in Harmony Representative,
Northern Stars Chorus
Storm Surge Youth Music Support and 2012 Spring Show
As in 2011, this year we enjoyed the music performance by Storm Surge, the glee club at South Carleton High School in Richmond, ON. On the stage of the Northern Stars Chorus annual Spring Show in May, Storm Surge received an enthusiastic welcome from the audience, then a loud, standing ovation at the conclusion of their performance. We are pleased to both showcase and support local youth music talent. Storm Surge also performs at a few events at South Carleton HS and competes at the nationals at Show Choir Canada in April. We enjoy giving Storm Surge the opportunity to perform for a wider community audience and we further enjoy giving our show audience the opportunity to hear contemporary music performed by youth enthusiastic about their music.
Below is a pleased Jamie McIntyre, Music Educator and director of Storm Surge accepting a cheque from Keith Lindsey on behalf of the Northern Stars chorus as a thank you for their appearance and performance on stage in May.
Northern Stars Chorus presenting a cheque in appreciation of South Carleton High School appearance on the chorus show.
Storm Surge Support from 2011 Spring Show
The Northern Stars Chorus encourages enjoyment of music and encourages singers, especially young singers. We enjoyed presenting Storm Surge, from South Carleton High School in Richmond, ON to our audience at our 2011 Spring Show. Chorus members enjoyed hearing their presentation of music and the feeling behind their music.
To further demonstrate support for youth and Storm Surge and to say 'thank you', the chorus presented Storm Surge music teachers with financial support. Jennifer and Jamie noted this would help with purchase of equipment and music to enhance their perfomances at the school and elsewhere. We look forward to working with Storm Surge in the future.
Most Improved Chorus trophy
