Shallaway’s music education and leadership program showcases a wide range of experience and talent across nine choirs grouped by age and gender. Children as young as four thrive in our supportive and joyful environment.
As our choristers progress, they take on a more challenging repertoire, as well as mentoring and leadership roles, gaining self-discipline, self-confidence, perseverance, and respect for others.
At Shallaway, we believe that music is an amazing way to engage with community and culture. Making music together develops connections that are beyond the everyday, and amplifies a diversity of shared and lived experiences. It gives us an opportunity to learn more about the world around us, our history, and our future.
That commitment to building community relationships and awareness is part of each choir’s season, through workshops, performances, speakers, and partnerships. In this collaborative environment, choristers learn to accept and adapt to differences, and grow to understand working together for a common purpose, all in service of becoming well-rounded, thoughtful and confident leaders of our next generation.
Our Choirs
For children aged 4 to 12 (grades K to 7), there are four choirs – Prima, Dolce, Nobile and Vivo – who rehearse independently and together, as performances require. The placement process for our younger children is a short, friendly experience where your child will be asked to sing a favourite song, and their range and ability to follow the conductor is evaluated.
Prima
AGE RANGE: 5 TO 6
GRADES: KINDERGARTEN & GRADE 1
Our youngest choir focuses on first opportunities for choristers to express themselves through music.
Dolce
AGE RANGE: 7 TO 9
GRADES: 2 & 3
Choristers learn to read music, develop their singing, and refine their musical listening ability.
Nobile
AGE RANGE: 8 TO 12
GRADES: 4 TO 6
Boys and gender diverse children increase their music literacy, and gain leadership skills, and independence. At this age, choristers can begin their leadership journey and become apprentices for younger singers.
Vivo
AGE RANGE: 8 TO 12
GRADES: 4 TO 6
Girls and gender diverse children increase their music literacy and gain leadership skills, and independence. At this age, choristers can begin their leadership journey and become apprentices for younger singers.
In Jubilate and Camerata, choristers ages 12–18 years old (grades 7–12) tackle more challenging repertoire, take on additional mentorship roles, and tour.
Jubiliate
AGE RANGE: 12 TO 14
GRADES: 7 TO 9
Through hard work and fun, members of this ensemble are well on their way to becoming serious music makers. Jubilate partakes in an annual provincial tour.
Camerata
AGE RANGE: 15+
GRADES: 10+
Camerata is the most senior and experienced ensemble of Shallaway who tour internationally bi-annually.
In addition to our age-grouped choirs, Shallaway has a competition-focused ensemble for older choristers – Exsultate.
As well, we have two choirs that engage with music in new and exciting ways. Lauda, an enriching musical experience in a safe, neuro-diverse environment, as well as Terra, a seasonal choir that welcomes and connects with newcomers to our province
Exsultate
Age range: 12-25
A competition-focused ensemble for international touring.
Lauda
Age range: 10 and above
A caring environment for neuro-diverse singers who are supported to be their best selves by additional music and health specialists.
Terra
AGE RANGE: 6 TO 12
GRADES: 2 TO 6
Our newcomer’s choir, Terra, brings together children from all corners of the globe to lift their voices in song.