Welcome

2026 - Important Update

Due to several factors, including administrative challenges and Ms. Clark's current maternity leave, we've made the difficult decision to pause the Honour Choir for 2026. We'd like to thank everyone who made the 2024 and 2025 choirs a success.

It is not yet known if we will resume in 2027, as a number of circumstances will need to be weighed at that time.

Youth in the area who are interested in a choral experience may want to check out the Simcoe Youth Choir (based in Barrie) or the Orillia Community Chidren's Choir. Of course, we hope all our alumni will take advantage of any choral experiences offered in their schools!

General information about this initiative remains below.

Our Mission

To provide youth in the Barrie, Ontario area with an opportunity to sing quality repertoire in a large choral ensemble, and to inspire those approaching high school age to participate in their upcoming secondary school choral programs.

Who We Are

This initiative is being spearheaded by the choirs of Eastview Secondary School and Bear Creek Secondary School - two of the strongest high school choral music programs in the area.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking Simcoe County District School Board students in grades 6-8 who enjoy singing and who would like to take part in a program spanning a few days in November. Participants will have the chance to build their musical skills, interact with likeminded peers, and perform in a culminating concert.

The Program at a Glance

Our goal is to create a youth honour choir of roughly 100 members, encompassing the choirs of Eastview and Bear Creek Secondary Schools, in addition to the students who sign up for this program. Broadly speaking, the program will consist of:

A weekend retreat to Mansfield Outdoor Centre, near Alliston, from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon
One weekday evening rehearsal at Eastview Secondary School following the retreat
A full day at Collier Street United Church later the same week, consisting of two matinée performances for visiting schools, and an evening performance for the public

The fee to participate is expected to be between around $300, which covers the cost of the weekend retreat including meals.

Videos from our Debut Season - 2024

SCDSB Production Highlighing the Event

Student Created Production Highlighting the Retreat

What is an honour choir?

An honour choir is a special ensemble that brings together talented singers from various schools, communities, or regions. They are often formed annually for a brief span of time, within which the ensemble works intently on preparing and performing music. While many honour choirs are quite selective and require auditions, we are currently non-auditioned and will be welcoming members based purely on interest - no experience or special skills required!

Our Staff

Dave Stewart

Mr. Stewart has led the vocal music program at Eastview Secondary School since 2012. He attracts a large number of students at the school into his choirs. His choral ensembles have ranked in the top level tiers in local, national and international festivals including Musicfest Canada and Festival Disney. Mr. Stewart will be one of the two artistic co-directors of the Barrie Youth Honour Choir.

Rachael Clark

Ms. Clark is the choral music director at Bear Creek Secondary School. She studied vocal performance at Western University and has completed her master’s in music education. Over the past decade, she has taught private vocal lessons, was a choral director at a community church, and has performed in musical theatre and operatic productions in Canada and Italy. Ms. Clark will be one of the two artistic co-directors of the Barrie Youth Honour Choir.

Louis McIntyre

Mr. McIntyre is the music specialist teacher at East Oro Public School, where he works with the entire student population and produces multiple annual performances. In addition to his musical ambitions, he coaches at the school and has extensive leadership experience at the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre. Mr. McIntyre will be coordinating the recreational and teambuilding activities on the retreat.

Bonnie Black

Ms. Bonnie Black is the District Arts Facilitator for the SCDSB and supports K-12 Music and the Arts. Bonnie has been implementing the Music Program across all Elementary Schools in the Board, ensuring that the content and instruments are equitable. Bonnie creates and facilitates Professional Development for Teachers and provides Experiential Learning opportunities for participating schools. Bonnie will assist and support the Directors of the Barrie Youth Honour Choir.

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