Shallaway Youth Choir of Newfoundland and Labrador

Shallaway Youth Choir is an internationally recognized and celebrated organization that is dedicated to exploring, developing, and celebrating cultural expression through choral music. Our mandate is to foster independent musicianship and leadership, empowering young people to become the next generation of active leaders and artistic innovators in their communities. Through our commitment to artistic excellence and the preservation of our rich folk culture, our choristers learn the value of independence, discipline, and confidence, while also gaining a sense of pride and identity – as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians – and as global citizens. The Shallaway family is comprised of over 450 choristers, ranging from ages 4 to 18 years, in six developmentally-sequenced ensembles. From pre-school, where choristers first begin to express themselves through music, start to develop healthy vocal production, and commence learning the musical basics, through to high school, where they have the opportunity to apply their advanced musical skills to demanding repertoire and engage in the transformative power of world-class music-making. Most recently, we have developed a specialized program for neuro-diverse youth. Partnering with music therapists and healthcare professionals, and with a higher ratio of social and musical supports, this ensemble provides an enriching musical experience in a safe, neuro-diverse environment. Additionally, at every age throughout Shallaway, we foster opportunities for peer mentorship and leadership, though our apprenticeship, advanced placement, and choral scholarship programs.