About Our Ensembles

We believe that kids are motivated to learn and grow as musicians when they are inspired by the music and the social setting where it happens. This is why our programs begin with Celtic music! At the heart of the Celtic music tradition is the idea of getting together and sharing music. What better way to make music fun?

Registration is Open

Early Registration: June 5 - June 25, 2021

Regular Registration: Open year-round space permitting

Please complete ALL of the following registration steps:

Complete the registration form
Complete the code of conduct
Payment due by September 1, 2021. We will invoice you in July to confirm the amount due.

Program Details

Group	Fees *	North Shore Edgemont Village, North Van	East Vancouver Commercial Drive area
Intro to Fiddling	~$200 / term	Fall, Winter & Spring terms Wed, 6:15 - 7:15 pm	Fall, Winter & Spring terms Mon, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Strings N Things	$670/year	Wed, 5 - 6:15 pm	Mon, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Junior	$905/year	Wed, 6 - 7:30 pm	-
Senior	$1210/year	Wed, 7:30 - 9:30 pm AND Sat, 10 am - 12 noon	-

* Discounts available for early registration and one-time annual payment. We are very aware this past year has been particularly challenging for some families financially. New this year, we're offering student bursaries on a limited basis to offset tuition fees. Apply for a student bursary here.

Click here for a detailed breakdown of fees.

Additional Fees and Considerations:

In-lieu of Volunteering: The NSCE relies with gratitude on parent volunteers to support our programs and performances. In addition to the basic expectation that each family helps to sell tickets to performances, everyone is asked to commit to at least ~ 10 hrs over the course of the year. Specific roles and time commitments are described in the registration form. If you are unable to volunteer your time, an additional $100 fee is assessed on top of your program fees.

Seniors Retreats: The Senior Ensemble has two retreats/season in September and January. Each retreat costs $175. This fee covers food, venue rental and payment of professional musicians who participate in the retreat. Senior ensemble members will be assessed their fall retreat fee as part of their September payment.

Junior and Senior Tours/Trips: Additional fees are assessed, on a cost recovery basis, for 1 -2 tours and/or trips over the course of the season.

T-shirts: All SnT, Junior and Senior ensemble musicians require a colourful NSCE t-shirt ($20/each) for performances. Please contact to order one.

Key Dates:

June 25, 2021	Last day for Early Registration (all registration steps must be completed)
Sep 1	Program fees due
Sep 10-12	Seniors Welcome Back retreat, Camp Capilano
Sep 12, ~ 2 pm	All Ensembles and Families - Welcome Back Gathering, Camp Capilano
Week of Sep 13	Rehearsals Start
Sep 19	Juniors retreat, Camp Capilano
Oct 11	Thanksgiving (no rehearsal for Vancouver programs)
Nov 20	Winter concert - Terry Fox Theatre
Nov 26 & 27	Winter concert - Centennial Theatre
Week of Dec 13	Last week of rehearsals before Winter Break
Jan 7 - 9, 2022	Seniors Winter Retreat, Camp Capilano
Week of Jan 10	Rehearsals restart after break
Mar 14 - 25	Spring Break (no rehearsals)
April 23	Spring Ceilidh and Silent Auction
~May 12-14	Seniors Galiano Tour
June 13	Last week of rehearsals
June 18	Year end picnic and gathering
~ July 10-17, 2022	Likely Seniors Canadian Tour...TBC

Apply Now
To arrange your Meet & Greet, rehearsal visit or an audition, please click here to fill your application form.
SENIOR ENSEMBLE AUDITION PACKAGE
Click here to download audition materials for the Senior Ensemble. Auditions are starting the last week of May! Early registration open until the end of June. Please fill out the form under 'apply now' to schedule an audition. We look forward to meeting you!
JUNIOR ENSEMBLE AUDITION PACKAGE
Click here to download audition materials for the Junior Ensemble. Auditions will be scheduled with our artistic directors at the end of June, by July 1. Please fill out the form under 'apply now' to schedule an audition. We look forward to meeting you!
Intro to Fiddling
This fun 10-week program is for violin-players aged 7-12 who want to explore a growing love of music...
Strings & Things
A group for kids who love music to get together, play, and have fun! Players learn how to be positive and engaging performers, play games each rehearsal, and perform in the community.
Age: 9+
Instruments: violin, viola and cello; flute*, piano*, guitar*

Rehearsals:

North Vancouver: Wednesdays, 5:00 - 6:15 pm

East Vancouver: Mondays, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

September - June

Who can Join? Students ~ 9+ years with 2+ years of playing experience. Weekly private lessons are recommended.

Performances Include:

We are continuously assessing our safe return to stage opportunities and are excited to get back performing! In a “normal” year, the SnT group has:
- ~6 community concerts and events
- Performances at holiday celebrations and seniors residences
Faculty: Clarice Scop

Tuition: 2021-22 NSCE Fee and Program Schedule

How to join: Click "Apply now" if you would like to arrange a Meet & Greet to learn more. Otherwise please register and we will be in touch to confirm placement and payment.
Junior North Shore Celtic Ensemble
If you are a committed young musician who loves exploring different genres, we welcome you to our Junior Ensemble. Players perform arrangements with harmonies and grooves that are fun to play. Performances include a feature role in our Community Concert Series.
Age: 12+
Instruments: violin and other bowed strings; flute/whistle*; piano*, guitar*, bass guitar* mandolin*, and accordion*; percussion*
Pre-requisite: 3+ years playing experience
Co-requisite: weekly private lessons
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, September - June

Performances Include:

We are continuously assessing our safe return to stage opportunities and are excited to get back performing! In a “normal” year, the Junior group has:
Community Concert Series (6-12 performances)

Performance at Vancouver Int'l Mountain Film Festival

Spring Community Ceili Dance

Theatre Shows: 1-2 shows as guests of the Senior Ensemble

Lynn Valley Days parade (weather permitting)

(Optional) Attendance at a summer fiddle camp

Faculty: Gabriel Dubreuil and Claude Giguère
Tuition: 2021-22 NSCE Fee and Program Schedule

How to join: Students must audition to join the Junior Ensemble. Please contact gabriel@nsce.ca to arrange an audition.

*Limited places available. Please inquire.
Senior North Shore Celtic Ensemble
Our senior players are committed to and passionate about ensemble music. They want to be part of a high-level performance group and to explore new directions with their music. Players perform complex arrangements of traditional and contemporary fiddle tunes as well as original music that blends folk, jazz, and classical.
Age: 13+
Instruments: violin and other bowed strings; flute/whistle*; piano*, guitar*, bass guitar* mandolin*, and accordion*; percussion*
Pre-requisite: 3+ years of playing experience, including at least 1 year in Junior NSCE
Co-requisite: weekly private lessons
Rehearsals: Wednesday, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm and Saturdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm September - June

Performances Include:

We are continuously assessing our safe return to stage opportunities and are excited to get back performing! In a “normal” year, the Senior group has:

Self-produced theatre shows

Spring Community Ceili dance

Local festivals, events and fundraisers

Collaboration with other music ensembles (orchestra, choir, etc)

Lynn Valley Days parade (weather permitting)

Faculty: Claude Giguère and Gabriel Dubreuil
Tuition: 2021-22 NSCE Fee and Program Schedule
Additional Activity (fees independent from tuition and determined by itinerary):

Two weekend retreats with professional musicians and/or other youth groups (~$175/ea.)

Weekend travel to perform and/or attend workshops with other fiddle groups in BC

A 10-14 day summer tour every 2 years

(Optional) Attendance at a summer fiddle camp

How to join: Students must spend 1+ year in the Junior Ensemble before auditioning for the Senior Ensemble. Please contact gabriel@nsce.ca to arrange an audition.

Registration Fees

Note that these fees do not include the cost of retreats or trips.

Early Registration Fees (Up to June 25, 2021):

Group	Program Details - North Vancouver	Single Payment (5% discount; due Sep 1)	Semi-Annual Installment (due Sep 1 and Jan 1)
Strings N Things	Wed, 5 - 6:15 pm	$620	$650 (2x $325)
Junior	Wed, 6 - 7:30 pm	$855	$900 (2x $450)
Senior	Wed, 7:30 - 9:30 pm AND Sat, 10 am - 12 noon	$1160	$1225 (2x $612.50)

Regular Registration Fees (AFTER June 25, 2021):

Group	Program Details - North Vancouver	Single Payment (5% discount; due Sep 1)	Semi-Annual Installment (due Sep 1 and Jan 1)
Strings N Things	Wed, 5 - 6:15 pm	$670	$700 (2x $350)
Junior	Wed, 6 - 7:30 pm	$905	$950 (2x $475)
Senior	Wed, 7:30 - 9:30 pm AND Sat, 10 am - 12 noon	$1210	$1275 (2x $637.50)

Intro to Fiddling	Program Details - North Vancouver	Single Payment ($18/session)
Fall Session (Sep-Dec)	Wed, 6:15 - 7:15 pm; 13 sessions	$229
Winter Session (Jan-Mar)	Wed, 6:15 - 7:15 pm; 9 sessions	$159
Spring Session (Apr-Jun)	Wed, 6:15 - 7:15 pm; 12 sessions	$212

East Vancouver Programs: NEW!

Group	Program Details - East Vancouver	Single Payment (5% discount; due Sep 1)	Semi-Annual Installment (due Sep 1 and Jan 1)
Strings N Things	Mon, 6:30 - 7:30 pm	$670	$700 (2x $350)
Intros - Fall*	Mon, 5:30 - 6:30 pm	$211	n/a
Intros - Winter*	Mon, 5:30 - 6:30 pm	$141	n/a
Intros - Spring	Mon, 5:30 - 6:30 pm	$212	n/a

Get Involved

Testimonials
"One of your outstanding qualities is that you are so authentic. How refreshing to see sparkling talent presented by genuine musicians who are lovely just being themselves. I have been to countless live performances in North America and I can assure you that your group ranks with the best. The mood you create, the happiness, the positive energy you generate stayed with me long after you left the stage."
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- Bill Cosgrave,
Kelowna, BC