Alvin M. Keeling 
A new Halifax-based choir is helping newcomers learn English and build community through song.
The group, called the Halifax Newcomer Choir, is open to all and meets every Tuesday evening at St. Andrew’s Church on Coburg Road.
It was started by Rachel Manko Lutz — who works with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia — last fall, when she discovered that some newcomers were socially isolated and had no opportunity to practice English.
“This [choir group] seemed like a natural addition to my choral training to provide another opportunity for community building, language learning and friendship,” Manko Lutz told CBC Radio. Main Street tuesday.
Rebecca McCauley, conductor of the choir, said the group is “a really great way to connect with members that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to interact with on a weekly basis.”
“I think music can be such a universal language in a way, so it’s been a great connector for all of us,” McCauley said.
Andrew Sun, who is from China, has been in Halifax for over a year. He said the choir was “fantastic”.
“I can sing beautiful songs, make new friends and improve my English,” he said. Main Street.
For more about this new choir from the directors and participants involved — including some of their singing — listen to CBC Main StreetThe full conversation below.
NS Main Street9:16Halifax Newcomer Choir helps immigrants learn English and make friends
A new Halifax-based choir is helping newcomers learn English and build community through song. The group, called the Halifax Newcomer Choir, is open to all and meets every Tuesday evening at St. Andrew’s Church on Coburg Road. Mainstreet’s Alex Guye recently visited the band and captured some of their vocals.
