King's musician-in-residence makes impact

Nick Halley has created a welcoming musical climate for beginner and advanced singers

University of King’s College musician-in-residence Nick Halley directs the King’s chorus during rehearsal. (Photo: Katie Rankin)

Nick Halley visited his father at the University of King's College three years ago. It was Holy Week at King's Chapel and he could see his father, the chapel's music director, was overwhelmed with his choir responsibilities.

Halley, a classically trained percussionist from New York, became his father's assistant. As his job evolved at the chapel, so did his title.

"Someone came up with the idea of chapel musician-in-residence," he said. Nick Halley has helped create a musical community at King's that allows everyone, no matter what their talent, to participate.

Halley formed the King's chorus last year to find a place for students who wanted to sing in the choir but had no training. He agreed to put it together at the insistence of Ted Williams, student and founder of King's concert collective, the chorus's first incarnation.

"There was a vacuum," he said, which filled up quickly with 65 chorus members in its first year.

Halley said members don't need any specific training or talent to join, just a willingness to learn.

"The most formative thing I ever did in my music education was sing in an excellent choir as a kid," he said.

"It was something he didn't have to do," said Noah White, chorus president and third-year early modern studies student. "But it was something he took on."

At first many chorus members didn't know what notes they were singing, White said, but Halley taught until everyone could hit the notes.

People assume talent and passion can't be separated, said Halley. Just because someone doesn't have natural talent, doesn't mean they can't develop a passion and learn how to sing.

At rehearsal, Halley injects life into the music. He stops practice to explain that the composer was a flamboyant character, joking that there's no need for everyone to sound so sombre.

The chorus performs mostly classical music, usually from the 18th century because the sheet music is cheaper. It performs more modern music as well, including a Pete Seeger song at last year's concert.

"Nick was transformative," said former chorus member and fifth-year history student Caleigh Davis. "I owe Nick a massive thanks. I was looking for an outlet for my musical abilities."

Like some chorus members, Davis sings in the chapel choir. Halley said he sees transformation in chorus members. "They become obsessed with singing and the sound of their voice."

White said he agrees and was always interested in singing but never had perfect pitch. "It's all about being comfortable with my voice." He said Halley creates a relaxed and calm atmosphere that encourages members.

"It's like math," said Halley. "You don't fall in love with math unless you have talent, or you have a great teacher." He said, modestly, that he's not implying he's a great teacher, just emphasizing the importance of learning.

The King's chorus will be performing its first concert of the fall term, "Works of Genius", on Nov. 27 at Halifax's First Baptist Church.

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