The Conservatory Chamber Orchestra is a string ensemble for advanced students playing challenging repertoire at the RCM Grade 6 level and up. There will be several performances throughout the year of repertoire from the Baroque period through to the Modern era. Entrance is by audition, and members are expected to attend regularly. This pre-professional ensemble experience will hone the musicianship skills of participants within a supportive and encouraging learning environment.

Faculty: Celeste Jankowski

Time: Monday 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Tuition: $450/ year
Start: September 21, 2026 (audition September 14, 2026 or by appointment)

Registration: Open

The Adult Orchestra provides an opportunity for recreational musicians with variable playing experience and skill levels to make music together in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Under the leadership of Susannë Brown, the members of the Adult Orchestra will meet weekly to play a range of approachable repertoire drawn from various genres and styles. Each term culminates in a final concert. Most importantly, the goal is always to have fun with your instrument!

Faculty: Susannë Brown

Ages/Level: Adult 18+

Schedule: Tuesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Tuition: $280/year (32+ Classes)

Start: September 14, 2026

Registration: Open

A fun and supportive ensemble for adult flute players level 2 and up. Together we’ll explore diverse repertoire of different eras and styles, solidify flute technique, and gather tips and tricks for successful ensemble playing.

Faculty: Sibylle Marquardt

Schedule: Thursdays 6:30pm – 7:30pm | bi-weekly

Fee: $495/year (18 Classes)
Start Date: September 24, 2026
Registration: Open

The World Music Ensemble performs music from various cultures throughout the world. Anyone and any instrument is welcome! All music explored is authentic to the tradition and since everyone is welcome with their own instrument of choice (and this is encouraged!), a natural and true cross-cultural approach to music takes place in this ensemble. Whether you are advanced or are a beginner, whether you play classical, folk, jazz, or any style from anywhere, there is always a spot for you and it is always stimulating! Students have the opportunity to explore and perform music from areas of the world such as the Middle East, India, Africa, Eastern Europe, South America and more; culminating with an end of term concert. Students even have the opportunity to learn some new instruments from different cultures if they wish. Classical, folk, popular, and even dance music of various cultural traditions are explored.

If students would like to join who aren’t sure if their level or ability fits the ensemble, please contact the director.

Faculty: Daniel MacNeil

Schedule: Thursdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Tuition: $550/year, $275/term
Start Date: September 10, 2026

Registration: Open

Always wanted to learn how to play the violin or the viola or brush-up on your playing skills? This is your opportunity! In a group setting you will learn and strengthen the foundations of violin and viola playing together with other adult participants under the expert step-by-step guidance of faculty member Andre Pretzel.

Requirements: Bring your violin!

Faculty: Andre Pretzel
Registration: Coming Soon!

Faculty: Rod MacGillivray

Ages/Level: Youth 10+
Schedule: Saturdays 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Fee: $375/year
Start: September 12, 2026

Registration: Open

Let go and raise your voice and spirit among friends in the Andiamo! Children’s Choir. This group (ages 6-10) playfully focuses on primary choral skills including healthy, age-appropriate vocal technique, music literacy, and sight-singing, while fostering active listening and creative expression. Andiamo! singers will share in a variety of performance opportunities throughout the year, featuring a broad range of repertoire in enjoyable styles and multiple languages. Song arrangements are in unison and easy two-part harmony, promoting strong cooperative and listening skills. This program nurtures the beginner and aspiring young soloist alike and helps you sing with joy, confidence and ease. Sing strong, sing proud, and Andiamo! Let’s go!

Faculty: Paula Phillips
Schedule: Wednesdays 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Cost: $565/year (30+ Classes)

Start Date: September 16, 2026

The Seton Conservatory Choir is one of the best mixed voice choirs in Nova Scotia. With its 40 year history and relatively small size this auditioned choir has achieved an excellent balance and blend of voices through a choral sound of high vocal quality.

Conductor: Krista Vincent

Collaborative Pianist: Dean Bradshaw

Schedule: Wednesdays 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Cost: $310/year (30+ Classes)

Start Date: September 16, 2026

Welcome to the Prelude Orchestra, the first opportunity to join the String Orchestra family at the MCPA! In this ensemble string players at RCM grade 2 will begin their orchestral journey – learning to play with other musicians. In our weekly rehearsals we will build the experience of playing in a group with different sections.

In addition to our weekly rehearsals, there will be opportunities to perform through the year, and some concerts together with the Presto and Chamber Orchestras, showcasing the full spectrum of orchestral development for children at the MCPA through to the end of high school.

Faculty: Susannë Brown

Level: RCM Level 2
Tuition: $210/ year
Schedule: Mondays 5:00pm – 5:45pm
Start: September 14, 2025

Registration: Open

The Presto String Orchestra is a great place to meet other young musician friends and have fun playing together! This ensemble will provide an upbeat and challenging collaborative experience for young string musicians wanting to explore the world of the string orchestra. Participants will meet weekly to play stimulating repertoire from the string orchestral repertoire as a full ensemble, in sectional rehearsals, and in occasional joint rehearsals with the other Conservatory orchestras. This group will train string players in all of the skills needed to move into the Conservatory Chamber Orchestra. In addition to weekly rehearsals, there will be performance opportunities alongside the Chamber and Adult Orchestras, providing a delightful musical and multigenerational experience! 

Faculty: Susanne Brown

Level: RCM grades 3-5
Tuition: $230/ year
Schedule: Mondays 6:00pm – 7:15pm

Start: September 14, 2025

Registration: Open