SIGN UP
Beginner or advanced, we have something to fit you. Our lower level ensembles focus on building fundamental skills and techniques, whereas our higher level ensembles are performance driven featuring challenging repertoire, faster rehearsal pace, and multiple concert opportunities.
Just want to try it out? Drop In with 2 free sessions!
Program Fees: $60/month* for first two years, then $30/month thereafter under VIP rate.
Please note all members are assessed and placed in rehearsal at the level/part that best matches your skill and technique.
If you’re not available to commit to regular rehearsals, or concerts, we also offer Non-Performing/Rehearsal-only options.
Official ensemble membership includes:
Attendance in one group ensemble weekly all year round
Participation in performances (8 week lead time, exceptions may apply)
Access to studio space, sheet music, music stands, percussion, and audio equipment where applicable
Instruments are not included
Package deal: 60 minutes/month of Private coaching (optional add on)
How do I register? Just click ‘sign up’ at the top of this page and fill out the online form. Registration Fees can be paid online via credit card, PayPal, E-transfer. Cheque, cash, debit and credit can also be paid in person. No auditions required.
WHAT LEVEL AM I?
You can register for any level. After about 2 weeks, we will be able to recommend another level if necessary. Final level assignment and seating for performance is up to the instructor/conductor’s discretion to best suit the ensemble. Below are some general guidelines to help you select the appropriate level for yourself.
SINGERS LEVELS
Level 1: I want to learn how to sing. Working on fundamental tone production, pitch matching, and simple rhythms. Basic music reading will be taught at this level. You will also get to spend 30 minutes each week practicing with the full choir.
Level 2: I want to learn how to sing with longer phrases, broader range of notes, and better tuning/enunciation. I can follow/match/memorize pitch and rhythms of a phrase. I want to learn how to read music confidently, how to do 2 part harmonies and hold my own part. This level begins to experience real life performance scenarios.
Level 3: All the above + I can read and learn parts on my own. I can hold my own part singing in a small SATB group. I have consistency in entries, sustains, cut offs, and pitch stability. I want to develop accurate expressiveness in my musical phrases and be able to tune sensitively with others. Usually involves 4-6 songs of repertoire every 4 months.
Level 4: All of the above + I have accurate rhythms, can tune sensitively, and blend with other voices. I have a deep desire for highly accurate execution and I have a wide array of tools at my disposal to be musically expressive. Usually involves 9-10 songs every 4 months.
INSTRUMENTALS LEVELS
Level 1: Pure beginner, never played an instrument before. Want to get started with something easy! Will learn fundamental postures, tone production, and technique. This level will include training in pitch and rhythm reading.
Level 2: For those with 1-2 years of training and experience. Musicians in this level typically can manage playing 8-10 notes fluently and have the ability to perform rhythms larger than an eighth note/rest with 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 time signatures, and can handle slow tempos. They can somewhat match pitch for short passages and can read notes slowly within the staff and understand key signatures with up to 2 sharps/flats. Musicians in this level typically are working towards better tuning and clarity in tone production.
Level 3: For those with 2-4 years of training and experience. Musicians in this level can read music at a moderate pace, and can produce most pitches within 2 octaves with key signatures up to 3-4 sharps/flats. They can perform rhythms larger than a sixteenth note/rest with 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8, 2/2 time signatures at moderate tempos. Their pitch and rhythm is consistent for slow tempos, but is still lacking expressive qualities in dynamics and articulation. They have some notion of accents, staccatos, tenutos, and marcatos, but have not yet mastered clear articulation execution. They have a moderate understanding of music, but would like to mature in tone quality, ease of executing challenging/fast passages, developing consistency, and musicality. If you've done music throughout elementary, this is a great place to start.
Level 4: For those with 4-7 years of training/experience. Musicians in this level can read notes comfortably and fairly accurately without assistance and can perform scale patterns in keys up to 5-6 sharps and flats with up to 3 octaves (depending on instrument). They can perform rhythms as small as a sixteenth notes comfortably at moderate tempos. Dotted rhythms, special tuplets, swing, and off beat patterns are still challenging to perform steadily. They have the ability to tune to others while holding their own part, and have a some sense of phrasing, breathing, and style. They have a consistent tone, and are able to perform common articulations and dynamics, but need more expressiveness and contrast. Still struggling with fast and technical passages, but wanting to master more difficult techniques. If you have participated in music ensembles throughout elementary and high-school, this would be an ideal level for you. Medium commitment requirement, fast paced.
Level 5: For those with 7-10 years previous training/experience. Can sight-read music fairly fluently, possess a mature tone with vibrato and rhythmic clarity, and have expressive control over dynamics, articulation, and tempo. Can accurately play all rhythms and time signatures at allegro tempos and can blend well with the ensemble. Can play scale patterns in all keys and have the ability to tune sensitively to melodies and harmonies. If you have studied music seriously in the past, and are currently active musically, this would be the ideal level for you.
Level 5+: For those with professional training and background/working musicians. If you love pops repertoire, and want to play with other passionate musicians of this genre, we would love to have you play with us as well. Pros qualify for the VIP discount!
Don't see a class or schedule that fits you? Tell us what fits you!
Holidays where sessions will not be running:
First 7 days of January, last 7 days of August, first 7 days of September, and last 14 days of December.
New Year's, Family Day, Easter, Victoria Day, Canada Day, BC Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
We highly encourage members to take vacations during weekends and long weekends, rather than during a regular week to avoid missing scheduled rehearsals.
MAIN STUDIO and OFFICE
8881 Selkirk Street (Near West 73rd Ave), Vancouver BC.