Massey Choir Home

Frequently Asked Questions

See some of the critics' reviews below.

What is the Massey College Choir?
Massey Choir is a community choir at Massey College where Junior Fellows and other Massyites get together once a week to sing. It is directed by Craig Galbraith (a Junior Fellow recently demoted to alum status) and has section leaders to help out each of the parts. We perform for informal and formal College functions, such as Coffee House and Christmas Gaudy.
Where can I find out about Massey Choir events?
Click on the "schedule/events" button at the left
Can I join the choir late or temporarily?
It depends. We will start new repertoire in mid to late November for the holiday season. This would be a good time to join, especially if you want a temporary commitment (for holiday music we will have only a few rehearsals, then perform at the Christmas Gaudy). You may also join anew in January when we start with all new music once again. There may be further opportunities, so just ask.
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Who is in the choir?
Mostly Junior Fellows, but we have had, and welcome other members such as Senior Fellows, Fraser Fellows, alumni, and Canine Fellows. Other Massey related Non-Fellows are also welcome.

I don't think I can sing with the choir because I suck.
The whole point of the choir is to have a creative break from your studies. Musically, you will be surprised what we can accomplish. You will receive some very basic technical advice for breathing and voice production. We perform music that is both approachable and musically interesting, and sometimes challenging. But, we lead you there! the section leaders are there to sing your part with you.
When does the choir rehearse?
We traditionally rehearse Mondays just after dinner for about one hour (roughly 7:45-8:45) in the dining hall or college chapel. We will try to reschedule rehearsals that conflict the the popular Science and Medicine Roundtables. Those evenings would likely be bumped ahead a day to Sunday afternoon.
Do I have to sing my own part in the choir?
No. The choir has one section leader for each of the four voice parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. They are professional singers/students who can read music and will sing loudly in your ear so you don't wander off into your own musical land and re-compose the music.
Will I have to sing on my own?
See the question above.
PERFORM!? When, where and form whom?
We perform in Massey and for Massey at two Coffee Houses, Christmas Gaudy, and possibly another fancy dinner type evening(s). All evenings usually involve alcoholic beverages so you can become duly uninhibited before your performance. However, I do request you refrain from "calming your nerves" until after a performance, as it affects your vocal "precision." (See our Choir events page here for details)
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What music will we sing?
Our repertoire is always changing. We generally choose from the following: Folksong arrangements, Jazz, Spirituals, Contemporary Canadian works, Classical, Renaissance, Madrigals, Chansons, etc.
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Reviews

"Their music making was incredible...for a bunch of PhD students"
-John Shouter, The Toronto Star

"The sound floated like a duck, or some very small pebbles"
-Ronald Flat, Toronto Life

"Outstanding. The best hit of the summer"
-Anon, the Freedom Press

"What the...!?"
- Bob Diaphragm, Gramophone UK

"Who's that guy singing in the back row; I don't recognize him."
- Nate Fisher, former Massey Don of Hall

"Like, O my God, like, that was, like, so, like, cool!"
- Mary Sharp, Undergraduate

"If J.S. Bach himself could hear the delicate sounds of the Massey College Choir, then we would all be freaking out because he would be, like, 320 years old!!"
- Lloyd Harmony, Time Magazine

Massey College photo
The "Quad" at Massey College

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