Soundbone Folksong Choir

Fall 2022

The Soundbone Folksong Choir (SFC) is a non-auditioned choral group for adults who share a love of traditional and contemporary folk songs from Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Directed by traditional musician/music educator, Jean Hewson, with assistance from singer Madison Mouland. Read more about the directors

Date/Time:

  • Thursdays: September 29; October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17, 24; December 1

  • 7:30pm-9:15pm

  • Final Concert: Saturday afternoon December 3rd

Location:

  • Wesley United Church, 101 Patrick St., St. John’s, NL (Google Map)

Materials: Included in cost. Practice-audio files and sheet music will be distributed electronically.

Special Events:

  • One of our rehearsals will welcome special guest Brian Cherwick - musician extraordinaire and leader of the Ukrainian speed-folk band, the Kubasonics. Brian will teach us a song from his tradition. Date TBA

Cost: $150. Reduced rate of $100 is available for low-income/underemployed participants; for other payment arrangements, please inquire.

Requirements: No audition or previous experience is required to join; music-reading ability is helpful but not necessary.

Details and registration information

Soundbone Folksong Choir (SFC) is a choral group for adults who share a love of the traditional and contemporary folk songs of Newfoundland and Labrador.  Founded in the winter of 2020, the choir was forced to shut down due to the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. During the 2021-2022 season, the choir had two successful 10-week sessions due to a combination of online and in-person rehearsals.

The SFC is directed by traditional musician/music educator Jean Hewson with the help of Assistant Director Madison Mouland. 

The ten-week fall program will include workshop-style sessions covering multiple topics such as: the stylistic elements of traditional singing, storytelling, repertoire and harmony.  Adult singers of all abilities and musical backgrounds are welcome.

One of our rehearsals will welcome special guest Brian Cherwick - musician extraordinaire and leader of the Ukrainian speed-folk band, the Kubasonics. Brian will teach us a song from his tradition.

Rehearsals will take place in the basement of Wesley United Church on Patrick Street, Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:15 P.M. from September 29th to December 1st. The fall session will end with a recital in the Sanctuary of the church on Saturday afternoon, December 3rd.

Covid Protocols

As singing is considered a high-risk activity for transmission of Covid-19, we feel strongly that we have to do our part to ensure all participants are protected.

  • Masks are required for the full duration of the rehearsal.

  • The rehearsal venue will provide all participants with the ability to maintain safe, social distancing.

  • Participants will be asked to self-assess before each session and are requested to stay home if experiencing any symptoms.

  • All materials will be provided in advance as downloads. No sheet music will be handed out at rehearsals.

  • If public health guidelines change over the course of the program, the SFC will adapt to accommodate any new directives. 

The fee for the 10 sessions, special events and concert is $150, payable in advance by e-transfer, cheque or credit card. A reduced rate of $100 is offered to low-income/underemployed participants; for other payment arrangements, please inquire with Soundbone’s Artistic Director, Eric West, info@soundbone.ca.

Fee includes sheet music in PDF format for the song arrangements, and audio recordings of the vocal parts for practice purposes.

Questions?

For more information about the Soundbone Folksong Choir contact choir director, Jean Hewson (phone 709-722-2863; email jhewson@nf.sympatico.ca). For financial matters contact Soundbone’s artistic director, Eric West (email info@soundbone.ca; phone 709-670-3377).

Soundbone Community Choirs: