About Us
Milton Choristers is a 4-part Community Choir who has entertained audiences in Halton Region and beyond for more than 50 years. We perform 2 concerts annually, often featuring guest soloists and musicians. We maintain a quality standard of singing as well as a strong sense of camaraderie. Our goal is to provide an inspiring, pleasurable, enlightening and memorable choral entertainment experience. We offer an opportunity for our members to expand their musical skills and to make new friends and to connect with and give back to the community. We are committed to our community and enjoy performing at numerous local events, especially at Christmastime, at Milton District Hospital, Troy's Toy Drive and downtown caroling at the Holiday Street Festival and at senior's residences and nursing homes. A love of singing, some sight singing and a sense of rhythm, as well as a sense of humor, are definite assets. The choir is administered by a volunteer executive board which is elected annually. We rely on the expertise and talents of our entire membership to make each season successful. To cover our costs for our Artistic Director and Collaborative Pianist, as well as our rehearsal and performance venues and the purchase of new music, each member pays a seasonal fee of $275. We are a registered not-for-profit charity.
FAQ
Who are the Milton Choristers?
The Milton Choristers
are a 4 part community choir who strive to be the best performers
that we can be, but while still having fun while we do it.
How long of a commitment do I need to make?
Our season runs from September to May.
When are your rehearsals?
We meet for rehearsals every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.
Where do you meet?
Rehearsals are at Knox Presbyterian Church, 170 Main Street East, in the upper hall. Enter off of Mary Street (the back of the church).
How often do you perform?
We perform 2 major concerts per year in December and May. We also optionally perform at several local events in town throughout the year.
Do I have to audition?
Absolutely not! We accept people of all skill levels and voice ranges. However, our Artistic Director may request a quick and private voice placement exercise before your first practice to ensure that you are singing in the right section.
Are there any costs to joining the Milton Choristers?
Yes, there is a $275 fee per season. All fees can be paid in installments. You will receive a tax receipt for any fees paid.
When can I join?
Our season is typically divided between our two concerts, with a break over the end of December, but you are welcome to join us at any time!
Artistic Director
Conductor Rachel Cleland has worked professionally in the music industry for nearly 20 years as a conductor, opera singer, producer, and music educator. She has a Masters in Conducting from Messiah University, a Bachelors and Opera Diploma from University of Toronto and has studied conducting with Dr. Rachel Cornacchio, Dr. Joy Meade, Dr. Gerald Neufeld, and Yoon Soo Lim.
Rachel is in her seventh season as Artistic Director of the Milton Choristers, a vibrant and traditional 55-member community choir. As a conductor Rachel strives to create an energetic and encouraging environment where choirs and orchestras can experience both the joy and camaraderie of making music together whilst still being committed to achieving musical accuracy and excellence. She is passionate about creative and innovative performances and strives to increase community awareness of my choirs and to cultivate a new audience. Most recently, she was thrilled to conduct Suor Angelica with the Grand River Opera Company.
Collaborative Pianist
Susan Somerville, born and raised in Chatham, Ontario, started her musical training at a young age with piano lessons at age 5, recorder classes at age 9, and flute instruction at age 10.
Throughout the remainder of elementary and high school, she continued with all three instruments, with a more intense focus on flute and piano. Throughout the years, Susan participated in many musical events and competitions, studying piano with Marion Stuart-Kosmala and flute with Carol Verkaik and Margaret Tretheway. Deciding to continue her music studies in university, Mrs. Somerville received a Bachelor of Music in flute performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, where she studied with Dr. Amy Hamilton. She then went on to receive a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario.
Following her time at Western, Susan completed a Masters in flute pedagogy and performance at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She not only studied flute with Dr. Michelle Cheramy, but she decided to return to the piano, studying with Dr. Maureen Volk.
Currently, she resides in Milton, Ontario where she teaches private flute and piano lessons. She also has enjoyed performing with several ensembles since moving to Milton including the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, Masterworks Orchestra, Oakville Chamber Orchestra and Burlington Concert Band.
Would you love to sing with the Choristers?
Contact us at our email address below for more details. Be sure to visit our about us page to learn more about who we are.
E:
info@miltonchoristers.com
