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By Wendy Elliott In normal times this would be the season for school concerts and musical events, but none of us are going anywhere to hear live music. I was amazed last week chatting with Annapolis Valley Honour Choir (AVHC) conductor Heather Fraser just how much her choir is accomplishing despite the fact they can’t meet in person. It takes a minimum of three rehearsal Zooms each week for all of the age groups, and lots of organizing, but Fraser says her choir kids seem to like it: “We have a high retention rate and I’m proud that they’ve come…
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Kim Barlow I am so very pleased to announce that I received a grant from Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada to support a run of shows and improvising sessions this winter. Through the Music In Communities Co-op (MIC), we’ll host a small, safe show every two weeks at the Al Whittle Theatre, featuring some fantastic open-spirited and creative musicians from our area and other parts of the Atlantic Bubble. We will also be collaborating with various groups to host music workshops and improvising sessions for kids, youth at risk, differently-abled folks, and other members…
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By Anna Horsnell As much as artists need galleries, musicians need venues to play their music. Online videos and recordings can only go so far to satisfy both the listener and the creator of music. Nothing quite compares to a live performance. Whether on stage or facing the stage, the sound and energy soaks into your bones and quenches some universal thirst that just makes you feel good. Located in East Margaretsville, The Evergreen Theatre appreciates the feel-good effects of music. As detailed on its website, “in its 20-year history, The Evergreen has developed from a local amateur talent event…
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Deep Roots announces 17th Valley Arts AwardValley Arts Award 2020: Fred & Nancy Chipman A Wolfville couple with a long-time commitment to supporting the arts are this year’s recipients of the 17th Valley Arts Award. Fred and Nancy Chipman have contributed their time and energy to a number of arts organizations over the years, leading to this latest recognition from the Deep Roots Music Cooperative. Former members of the Deep Roots membership committee and annual donors, the Chipmans were also involved with the Acadia Performing Arts committee. Fred served as chair of the group during the 1990s and continued as…
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It’s no secret that the last few months have been especially challenging for musicians. We caught up with a selection of talented Valley players to find out how they’ve been making their music during a time when shows have been limited and touring has been impossible, and to share their plans for the future with our readers. We are so lucky to have so many amazing folks making music in this Valley. The Basin BrothersThe Basin Brothers have been working on a new album with Thomas Stajcer at the New Scotland Yard studio in Dartmouth (shown here), a follow-up to…
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By Elizabeth Sircom The Acadia Regional Youth Orchestra is happy to announce that we are accepting registrations for the 2020/2021 season. We experimented with an online version of our program this spring and have designed a flexible program to offer which allows for both in-person or online teaching. We offer string instruction (violin/viola/cello/double bass) at the beginner/elementary level and two levels of string orchestra, for young people ages 10-24. Our Fiddle Group is open to all ages, 10 through adult. For more information check out our website, acadiaregionalyouthorchestra.ca or email us at aryostrings@gmail.com.

News From Music In Communities Co-opKim Barlow The Canning Kitchen Party is a series that started last summer, as a residency for “Kim Barlow & Friends” at the Village Coffeehouse. The first show had a sold-out crowd and was busting at the seams. As a consequence, Music In Communities Cooperative Ltd was founded. We expanded our scope and started placing shows in different local businesses around town, featuring fantastic local musicians and traditional music of many genres. It was a great success. It turns out people were craving live music. This summer, we’re craving it even more. The memorable 2020…
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