Antigonish Choral Ensemble (ACE) is currently the only ensemble under the ACS umbrella at this time. This is a community choir that sings in 4-8 part harmony (SSAATTBB) but will occasionally separate upper and lower voices to do individual pieces in SSAA/SA and TTBB/TB arrangements. ACE rehearses once a week on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at St. James United Church (Antigonish, Nova Scotia). Rehearsals are blocked into season with 2-3 per year culminating in a performance. You can commit to participate in one, some, or all performances, depending on your schedule and fees are due for each. Occasionally rehearsals will be schedule on other days of the week for dress rehearsals, make-up rehearsals for others cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, or additional sectionals.
The ability to read music is a plus, but not essential if you are committed to attending practices and learning your part (recording/midi files and section rehearsals will be available). New members are also not required to know which part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) their voice fits best in and commit to that prior to joining.
ACE singers are asked to pay a small ACS membership fee each year. Those who have paid their membership fee and have participated in at least one session may vote in the Annual General Meeting and be nominated for a position on the ACS Board of Directors. In addition, singers pay a session fee for each session in which they participate. These session fees cover a range of expenses such as the salary of the Artistic Director, venue fees, and music costs.
If you are interested in becoming a singer with the Antigonish Choral Ensemble, please contact ACE’s Artistic Director at director@antigonishchoral.ca