ABOUT THE NOC

The Northumberland Orchestra & Choir is the countys first and foremost purveyor of beautiful orchestral and choral music. The year 2003 will mark our 25th Anniversary! The NOC is a community organization comprising both an orchestra and a choir, with members of all ages and from all walks of life. What we have in common is a love of making music and living in Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada.

Our Music Director, Matthew Jaskiewicz, helps guide members musical growth, and professional section leaders smooth the path for orchestra members. The orchestra was founded under the guiding vision of Dr. Philip Schaus in 1978 when enthusiastic local musicians united to form a symphony orchestra. A year later the local choral society joined with the orchestra as the newly constituted Northumberland Philharmonic Choir. Throughout its history, the NOC has included and encouraged young local musicians, many of whom are now pursuing professional musical careers. It also presents the annual Foote Music Scholarship Award to a promising young musician.

The NOC welcomes new performing members. If you enjoy making music you will enjoy the fun, professional training and performance opportunities with the NOC. The requirements are the equivalent of a grade eight music level for orchestra members, and for choir members, some experience singing with a choir and the ability to read music. Membership also means getting involved in other NOC activities. Call 905-342-9295 or e-mail norchestra@sympatico.ca for more information.

For non-musicians, involvement with the NOC can take many forms: you may want to learn more about serving on the Board of Directors or donate some time to one of the volunteer committees, you may attend one of our community events, or become a donor or a sponsor.

The NOC is a registered not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. It is a member of Orchestras Canada and Choirs Ontario.