Nanaimo Youth Choir

Nanaimo Youth Choir, a community choir with programs for youth aged five to nineteen years, was founded in 1992 by artistic director Marian Smith in affiliation with the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. The choir consists of two groups: the Junior Youth Choir for children aged 5-14 with little or no musical experience, and the Concert Choir for girls and boys with unchanged voices and some musical experience through choir or private instruction.

Nanaimo Youth Choir regularly participates in activities in Nanaimo and beyond. They have been consistent winners in the Upper Island Musical Festival, and in 2002 placed first in the provincial competition of the BC Festival of the Arts. They have participated in the first Calgary Children’s Choir Festival and performed in World of Children’s Choirs in Vancouver, with 2000 voices from around the globe. Choir members travel regularly to BC Choral Federation chorfests to participate with other youth from BC. Nanaimo Youth Choir presents concerts in December and June, in addition to an annual concert for schools at the Port Theatre.

The choristers love to sing and perform, and many lifelong friendships are formed within the groups. Entrance to the Concert Choir is by audition.