WELCOME WORKSHOP (June)
An opportunity for the director to become better acquainted with the children and for the singers to meet each other will take place at our 'Welcome Workshop'. It is expected that all choristers will be in attendance.

PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING
An orientation meeting for parents of all new and returning choristers in each ensemble will present plans for the upcoming season and begin the process of organizing our parent volunteer committees. Each chorister must be represented by a parent.

AUTUMN RETREAT (September)
Our annual Autumn Retreats provide the opportunity for intense work and intense fun at Kamp Kiwanis, Bragg Creek. Cantando, Cantaré and Cantiga each enjoy a weekend away where our time is spent singing, studying, playing, and having fun together. Cantilena's retreat is a one day escape.

WORKSHOPS
Workshops provide the opportunity to focus on the specific skill development and to work on a more individual and small group basis. It is expected that all choristers will be in attendance. Scheduled in August, October, and November, each ensemble has it's own workshop expectations.

JOINT PERFORMANCES
Four joint performances feature all four ensembles. Each ensemble performs individually as well as in combination with the other ensembles. These are always magical nights as we witness the amazing growth and development of each ensemble throughout the year. We try to move our last rehearsals before a concert to the performance location so the children can become accustomed to the new space. A dress rehearsal for all participants is held just prior to the concert. Participation in this event is considered mandatory for all choristers in all ensembles.

CBC / KNOX UNITED CAROLFEST (late November/early December)
This event is a Calgary tradition which features the finest choirs Calgary has to offer. Each choir performs two selections at the Carolfest which is recorded by CBC Radio. The performances are then played "on air" throughout the month of December. It's a great night to hear lots of other choirs and it's wonderful to hear our own ensembles.

SCHOOL CONCERT TOUR (December, April)
We plan two school concert tours per year for the Cantiga ensemble. It has several purposes: it is a way of sharing our joy in music making with the children's peers; to be a model and reinforcement for school choirs; to entertain and educate the children of Calgary's schools; to raise the profile of the choir and to attract new singers. In previous school concert tours, our choirs have performed for as many as 2000 children in one day!

WINTER RETREAT (late January/early February)
This is one of the most important events of the year - the children experience INCREDIBLE musical and personal growth in one short weekend. Cantando, Cantaré and Cantiga each enjoy their own weekend of music, fun, and recreation. Cantilena has a day retreat which is just perfect for them.

CHORALFEST (March)
Sponsored by the Alberta Choral Federation, this is a unique opportunity in which each choir performs three or four selections, receives an adjudication during which a rating is given and then receives a 30 minute workshop from one of the clinicians. It's an excellent opportunity both from the perspective that the choir has a wonderful performance / learning experience and that this allows us the opportunity to raise our profile to adjudicators / clinicians, our peers and the general public. Our choir program has been honored to receive several special awards at this event. In previous years, all four ensembles earned a Superior Rating. In addition, we have been honored to receive several awards, though this practice has now been discontinued.

KIWANIS MUSIC FESTIVAL (March)
This event is important as a performing experience and to have the opportunity to learn from well known adjudicators.

PROVINCIAL CHOIR FESTIVAL (May)
Choirs may be recommended by the adjudicator at the local festival to represent Calgary at the Alberta Provincial Choir Festival. This of course is contingent upon their performance at the local Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival. Provincials are held in Edmonton, Alberta.