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PVA Applications for 2027-2028 open November 1, 2026

PVA Vocal Program Overview

The PVA Vocal Program offers a variety of ensemble and solo experience that focus on the development of singing skills and musicianship through the exploration of quality and diverse repertoire. Each ensemble participates in festivals, which in the past have included CBE Sings, Calgary Performing Arts Festival, Alberta Choralfest, Banff Rocky Mountain Festival and the Whistler Con Brio Music Festival. The PVA Vocal program is a place for students to develop their craft through a wide range of repertoire while exploring who they are as a musician and collaborator. All ensembles are full-year, five-credit courses.

PVA Vocal Music Courses

PVA Vocal students have daily timetabled classes where they focus on advancing vocal techniques and musical development. This class includes all auditioned PVA Vocal students in Grades 10-12 and students earn 10 credits annually in Choral Music and General Music 10-20-30. PVA Vocal students are welcomed into a space of positive mentorship with like-minded and dedicated musicians who support and empower each other. The Vocal PVA class is timetabled at the same time as PVA Strings and PVA Band to provide unique opportunities for students to collaborate on solo and chamber music performance, develop musical fluency literacy and creativity, and dive deep into their personal musical development.

PVA Music students make meaningful connections with the musical community through interactions with real artists in their discipline. Students experience exciting residencies, guest artist visits, and scheduled private lessons on their instrument. PVA students will enjoy the benefits of partnerships with Mount Royal Conservatory, The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Opera, and other professional musical organizations in Calgary and beyond.

Concert Choir In Concert Choir, students develop their aural skills through the study and performance of music from several time periods and styles. This choir is designed to challenge and broaden students’ understanding of choral and ensemble repertoire through focused vocal techniques. The ensemble is open to all students grades 10-12 who wish to be part of a musical ensemble, regardless of prior experience. The Concert Choir performs at major musical events throughout the year. Expert instruction and a strong sense of community will help all prospective singers become confident members of the Concert Choir by our first performance.

Vocal Jazz The Vocal Jazz ensemble explores the world of chamber jazz music and a cappella voicing. It is an auditioned ensemble to support those who want to develop their musicianship, collaboration, mic technique, and improvisation skills. Vocal Jazz has multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. This family of singers works closely together to understand vocal jazz technique and support a strong community.

To be considered for our specialized PVA program, students are required to apply online and audition/interview with our staff.

More information on the application process can be found on the PVA homepage

Vocal FAQ

• Are PVA music students required to take private lessons? It is strongly recommended that PVA music students study privately with a professional instructor. This experience will facilitate strong foundational skills necessary in developing independence and confidence. Students will have a short series of private lessons each semester as part of their course-work in both PVA Vocal, and it is encouraged to continue those lessons beyond the time provided to further develop your strengths.
• What time commitment is required to be a PVA music student? PVA Vocal students attend at least two morning rehearsals per week for Concert Choir. In addition, Vocal Jazz meets before school two times per week and is by audition only. Music students perform at several concerts and events each year, attend an annual PVA Music retreat at Camp Kindle, and tours some years. Tours take place in the province and within Canada.
• When do PVA music students take Leadership in the Arts 35? All PVA Music 30 students are required to complete Leadership in the Arts 35 in order to receive their CBE Fine & Performing Arts Certificate. This course is delivered in conjunction with PVA classes throughout your high school career, so that you have a full portfolio of work to prepare you for a life rich with music beyond high school, whether you choose to pursue music at post-secondary or not. Students will interview professional musicians, attend workshops and performances, develop a list of performance repertoire, study privately, develop a personal portfolio, and complete a final exit interview. These courses are not scheduled into the timetable, but updates and teacher led content will occur throughout the courses.
• Are there opportunities for PVA Vocal students to perform solos? Solos within choir pieces are selected through in-class auditions. In addition to these opportunities, all PVA students perform in a solo recital each spring.

For Vocal program inquiries, please email Amanda Hillestad

alhillestad@cbe.ab.ca