“Different plants need different things to help them grow. I think Lauda is where I learned to say ‘yes’ to more stuff. You never know what’s going to happen if you say yes to something, a whole world might open up for you.”

• Charlotte Doyle, Lauda Chorister

St. John’s, NL – Shallaway Youth Choir announces its collaboration with Ruby Line Productions on a documentary featuring Shallaway’s ensemble, LAUDA. Scheduled for release in 2025, Lauda: I Like the Way You Think explores how this neuro-diverse choir illuminates the incredible capacity and potential of true inclusivity.

“The experience of being understood and included is fundamental to the human condition. We are all musical beings, and creating an environment where young people can connect to themselves and their voices in community with others is so incredibly important. Lauda’s members are building relationships that will impact how they forge their way in the world for years to come.”

• Leanne Kearsey, Certified Music Therapist

Ensemble Lauda, a word which means “to praise,” offers a neuro-affirming environment that celebrates and centers the unique strengths and talents of each of its members. This documentary will capture the inspiring and heartwarming story of these talented young choristers. It will focus on the youth and their community of professional and family support as they prepare for big performances, work to learn complicated new songs, navigate the nerves of auditioning for solos, experience the struggles and setbacks of attempting to do new things, and celebrate the reward of sticking to a shared goal—all underscored by the beautiful music they create.

“What an honor it has been to be behind the scenes with the very talented Lauda ensemble and to have the opportunity to discover a wonderful secret in our own backyard. Their choral music practice is at the heart of an innovative process that really is inclusion in action. Getting to know these kids is life-changing and life-affirming! I am committed to sharing the story because I believe audiences at home, across the country, and internationally will be as entertained as they are encouraged by the experience.”

• Annette Clarke, Producer

Please enjoy this short trailer for Lauda: I Like the Way You Think, directed by Lian Morrison and Wanda Nolan, for a glimpse into the potential impact of this documentary. Supported by CBC Atlantic, PictureNL, and Ruby Line Productions Inc.

Celebrating Diversity, Tradition and Artistic Excellence Shallaway Youth Choir launches its 33rd season this week: “Opening Doors.” This season is focused on welcoming a broad and diverse community of choristers and audiences, while continuing to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.  Shallaway is creating space for more voices—whether in the choir or among the audience— inviting all to experience the transformative nature and celebration of choral music.

“This season isn’t simply about performances—it’s about creating connections, celebrating cultural traditions, and pushing the boundaries of choral art,” says Kellie Walsh, Artistic Director. “We are especially excited to embrace more voices this year, representing the many diverse communities that enrich Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Shallaway is opening doors to new artistic expressions, welcoming diverse cultural stories, and building a choir that mirrors the vibrant communities we live in.

Four signature concerts headline this exciting season:

• Where Once They Stood: Songs of Hope and Remembrance November 11th, 2pm and 7pm, Basilica of St. John the Baptist
  A moving tribute to resilience, honouring those who have shaped our province’s history. The afternoon performance is a ceremony open to the public,  featuring elements of the evening’s full concert. Tickets go on sale October 11. This concert is generously supported by Year of the Arts funding. 
• Hark, What’s the Noise: A Newfoundland and Labrador Christmas December 9th and 10th, Basilica of St. John the Baptist
  Allow the spirit and the warmth of the season in through the door at this annual favourite celebrating the unique sounds of our province’s traditions. 
• Unlocking the Magic of Christmas December 15th, DF Cook Recital Hall Unlock the spirit of Christmas.  Celebrate the festive season with joy and wonder in an evening of magical holiday songs performed by the kindergarten and grade one choristers, Prima Choir. Tickets on sale soon. 
• Once Upon A Choir April 12, 2025 St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre
  Walk, skip or fly through the door into a world of folklore and fairytales from here, there, and everywhere! This whimsical concert will explore global faerie lore, weaving stories from around the world into one magical musical journey.

Our Culture Sings! Shallaway Youth Choir believes that music transcends the ordinary, and in this 33rd season, they are embracing the extraordinary. A season where folklore meets fairytales, where remembrance meets hope, and where doors continue to open to new possibilities through the joy of choral music.  For tickets or for more information: www.shallaway.ca.

About Shallaway Youth Choir
Shallaway Youth Choir is dedicated to exploring, developing, and celebrating cultural expression through choral art. Through our collective music making, we nurture young voices to become the best version of themselves, fostering the growth and leadership potential of each member. We empower the next generation of artistic and cultural innovators in Newfoundland and Labrador. Shallaway strives to create a positive social impact by centering equity, inclusion, diversity, and a sense of belonging within our community and beyond. 

For More Information Please contact: Baptiste Neis –  [email protected]/(709) 682-4106 Jennifer Neary a – [email protected]

If your child is looking for new friendships, and a fun and caring environment with world-class musical training, Shallaway is for them!

Here’s what awaits at the audition:

Your child can showcase their talent with any song they’re comfortable with – whether it’s a Broadway hit, a chart-topper, a cultural melody, or even “Happy Birthday.”

Engage in a fun vocal activity to explore your child’s range – no prep needed!

Expect a relaxed 10-minute session where your child can shine.

Don’t let this opportunity slip by! Enrich your child’s life with world-class musical training and unforgettable experiences at Shallaway.

Book your audition now to secure your spot! Visit https://shallaway.ca/placement/

Shallaway Youth Choir is embarking on an incredible tour to Japan, filled with amazing workshops, cultural exchanges, and performances. Here’s a sneak peek at our itinerary:

🎶 July 27 – Workshops and cultural sharing with The Kyoto Junior Chorus.

🎤 July 30 – Concert at the Cultural Museum of Kyoto.

🕊️ July 31 – Performance at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

August 2 – Special performance at the Embassy of Canada.

Our journey begins on Wednesday, July 24, as we depart Canada and head to Japan for an unforgettable experience.

Stay tuned for updates and join us in celebrating the power of music and cultural connection! 🌏🎵

We are thrilled to announce that following an outstanding performance at the 2024 Provincial Music Festival, Nobile Jr. has been selected to represent Newfoundland and Labrador at the National Music Festival.

Thank you to our conductor Robert Colbourne and accompanist Andrea Lane Gardner.

Also, a special shoutout to Shallaway Chorister Aoife Strand for her award in the developing artist stream for voice!

Shallaway Youth Choir is thrilled to welcome the world’s leading choral movement specialist to Newfoundland and Labrador. Originally from Holland, Panda van Proosdij is a highly respected figure in the world of choral arts, renowned for her expertise in movement and expression. Her first time in Canada, van Proosdij will spend ten days, March 3-12, working directly with the over 350 choristers of Shallaway, the 100 choristers of Holy Heart High School, and 15 members of Ullugiagatsuk choir from Nunatsiavut, Labrador.

“After meeting Panda at the World Choral Symposium in Istanbul last year, I knew that her energy, spirit and practice would be a wonderful fit with the choral community in Newfoundland and Labrador.” – Robert Colbourne, Director Shallaway Noble Choir

While in St. John’s van Proosdij will be offering professional development to teachers and choral leaders in the region. Her unique philosophy, ‘supporting the voice by creating physical awareness as a means to let movement contribute to the quality of singing’, has the potential to significantly impact the practice of choirs, choristers, and choral leadership in this province.

These workshops have been made possible with the support of The Bruneau Centre. The mandate of the BCECM is to support ‘the realisation of projects that have the potential to stimulate excellence in community music-making at local levels both across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and on national and international levels.

Shallaway Youth Choir is thrilled to announce the official name of our newest ensemble: Terra. This name, inspired by the Latin word for “earth,” beautifully encapsulates the essence and spirit of our newcomer’s choir. Terra represents not just the ground beneath our feet, but the shared home of all humanity, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and cultures of its members who come together from all corners of the globe.

The choice of “Terra” as a name is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite us. It embodies our belief that through the universal language of music, we can create a harmonious world that celebrates the richness of our collective human experience. As Terra joins the Shallaway Youth Choir family, we are reminded of our commitment to fostering an inclusive community where young voices can come together to create something truly beautiful and transformative.

Music has always had the extraordinary ability to bring people together, and with Terra, we continue this tradition. This ensemble will not only offer its members a platform to showcase their talents but also an opportunity for all of our Shallaway community to learn from each other and grow as global citizens together. Terra stands as a symbol of unity, diversity, and the enduring power of music to connect us all.

We are incredibly excited to see Terra flourish and contribute to the rich tapestry of performances that the Shallaway Youth Choir is known for. As we officially welcome this new ensemble, we look forward to the unique perspectives and musical expressions that Terra will bring to our choir family.

Please join us in celebrating this new chapter as we continue to nurture young talent and share the joy of music with our community and the world.

#OurCultureSings

This week, Shallaway Youth Choir launched an exciting pilot program for newcomer children in partnership with elementary schools in the St. John’s area.

Shallaway professionals are working with music teachers at Bishop Abraham and St. Andrews, beginning ensembles specifically targeting children newly arrived to our province. Choristers in these ensembles will sing and learn together and will perform in Shallaway’s upcoming spring concert.

“Music and culture in our province will evolve over the coming years, and the rich cultures and lived experience of all of the families choosing to make Newfoundland and Labrador their home will have a profound impact on the future of arts in our province. Learning and growing together is so important for the future of choirs here. And choir is the most perfect space to cultivate respect, curiosity, empathy, care, and excitement about diverse music and singing traditions.”- Kellie Walsh, Artistic Director

With the guidance and collaboration of The Association of New Canadians, the Department of Immigration and Music NL this pilot program has been proposed to break down barriers and provide opportunities. Through this pilot process, with the counsel and support of all the relevant bodies, Shallaway hopes to develop a broad-reaching, impactful program.

Shallaway and the pilot schools are removing barriers to participation:

The call for participation was translated into 18 languages!

There are no fees.

No transportation is required.

Programming is taking place in familiar spaces, after school in the music room.

This pilot program is supported by VOCM Cares Foundation and Fortis Inc.

We’re grateful to the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for sponsoring sensory tools and musical instruments to engage and support individuals with sensory sensitivities during rehearsals and performances. Our Lauda ensemble will benefit greatly from this generous grant.

Envisioned to embrace diversity and inclusion and to challenge norms and practices around music-making, Lauda provides an enriching musical experience in a safe, neuro-diverse environment.

A portion of the grant will be allocated to provide training for our staff and volunteers in creating inclusive and sensory-friendly environments. Additionally, we will offer accessibility services to Lauda members to address their individual needs. #FriendlyFuture #GiveWhereWeLive #Philanthropy