WHAT IS UNISONG? A CHORAL EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER! Approximately 300 singers from all parts of Canada performing with a well known Canadian conductor in a nationally recognized venue Learning and performing a variety of Canadian choral repertoire at a higher level than you ever thought possible Meeting and sharing experiences with choristers, conductors, and chaperones from across the country Learning and appreciating more about Canadian heritage through music, and by visiting key historic National Capital attractions Experiencing Canada Day at the centre of the Nation s Capital!
ELIGIBILITY All choir members who participate in the 2017 spring term (January to April) to concert ready status, and who attend all designated special practices scheduled in May and June 2017, are eligible to participate in Unisong. ACCOMMODATION The main accommodation will be apartments located at 90 University, a 20 storey University of Ottawa residence that is conveniently located in downtown Ottawa, within easy walking distance of the Byward Market and Parliament Buildings. Each apartment has two bedrooms with a double bed in each, a bathroom and kitchenette. Special rates will also be available at several Ottawa hotels located in the downtown vicinity. More information will be provided on hotels as it comes available. We are not requesting a decision about accommodation at this time. ESTIMATED FESTIVAL PACKAGE COST* Depending on the accommodation choice, and the number of persons per apartment, package costs for the festival will approximate: $ 817 per person based on Quad occupancy (4 per room, 2 double beds) $ 942 per person based on Triple occupancy (3 per room, 2 double beds) $1,048 per person based on Double occupancy (2 per room, 2 double beds) $1,170 per person based on Single occupancy (1 per room, 2 double beds) Notes: It may be necessary to add $50 to $300 per person, depending on level of occupancy, and meals for 2 additional days if flying via Air North. Accommodation in hotels can be expected to increase the above estimated festival package costs. More precise cost information will be provided as it comes available.
AIRFARE Air North has offered a special rate for return airfares if we can get sufficient number of people to fly with Air North. Because of the rehearsal schedule, it is expected that we would all leave Whitehorse on the same flight, but Air North will offer the same return air fare to those who wish to holiday in the Ottawa area and return at a date later than July 3rd. The flights proposed by Air North are: 27June Whitehorse-Ottawa 2:25pm-12:05am 03July Ottawa-Whitehorse 11:20am-3:40pm Fare: $773.55 per person including all taxes. A deposit of $52.50 per person is required by June 30, 2016 to hold this price. Final payment is not due till May 2017. SPOUSES/PARTNERS/CHILDREN/TRAVEL COMPANIONS Spouses, partners, children or other travel companions are welcome to come. There may be some incremental costs, depending on the apartment/hotel room(s) selected, and meals in which they participate. The only commitment for family members and other travel companions at this time is a deposit of $52.50 per person for Air North if the family member(s) or travel companion(s) is likely to travel on Air North. PAYMENT DUE DATES $ 50 for festival registration to be submitted with registration, which is due by Jun 30, 2016 $300 for festival package on or before September15, 2016 Remaining balance of festival package on or before January 15, 2017 Remaining balance of air fare on or before May 12, 2017 MUSIC Music will be provided. A small fee or deposit may be required.
WHAT DOES FESTIVAL REGISTRATION INCLUDE? Festival Performances UNISONG Sings! Public Shared Concert, evening of June 29 (8-10 minutes of your own repertoire) Canada Day Massed Choir UNISONG Performance at the newly renovated National Arts Centre, July 1st Time TBD Optional Performance Rotunda of Parliament, June 28th, 29th or 30th or July 2nd (7 10 minutes of your own repertoire) (upon request, subject to approval of Parliament) Accommodation: 4 nights accommodation final costs will be depend on accommodation chosen, the sharing choices, and the number of additional nights. Meals: June 28: Dinner June 29: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner June 30: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner July 1: Breakfast, Dinner July 2: Breakfast Transportation: School bus transportation between the accommodations and airport on arrival and departure, and to and from festival events outside of the downtown area. Choirs may be split between buses in order to minimize transportation cost and provide additional social opportunities to participants. Uniform: 1 UNISONG Festival shirt is provided for each paying participant to wear on Canada Day; choristers are to provide their own straight leg black dress pants with black socks and solid black low heeled, closed heel and closed toe shoes. PROPOSED ITINERARY Wednesday, June 28 Arrival (early in the day recommended) Sightseeing or relaxation time (own arrangements) Accommodations Check-In (after 4 p.m. only) 5:30pm Bus departure for rehearsal venue 6:00pm Dinner (included at rehearsal venue) 7:00pm Welcome to UNISONG & First Massed Rehearsal 9:30pm Buses return to accommodations
Thursday, June 29 7:00am Breakfast (included) Bus departure for rehearsal venue 8:30am Massed Rehearsal with Guest Conductor 11:00am Lunch (included)/ Sightseeing / Rotunda Performances Buses depart for sightseeing OR performance opportunities OR to lunch venues Sightseeing Suggestions (own arrangements, not included): one of Tour of Parliament, Ottawa River Cruise, National Gallery, Royal Canadian Mint, Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum or the RCMP Musical Ride Stables 2:00pm Buses return to rehearsal location 2:30pm Massed Rehearsal with Guest Conductor 5:00pm Dinner (included at rehearsal venue) 7:00pm UNISONG Sings! Public Performance Friday, June 30 7:00am Breakfast (included) 8:00am Bus departs to rehearsal 8:30am Massed Rehearsal with Guest Conductor 11:00am Lunch (included)/ Sightseeing / Rotunda Performances Buses depart for sightseeing OR performance opportunities OR to lunch venues Sightseeing Suggestions (own arrangements, not included): one of Ottawa Historic Walk, exploring the Byward Market on foot, shopping at the Rideau Centre, relaxing in Confederation Park or along the canal behind the National Arts Centre 1:30pm Massed Rehearsal with Guest Conductor 3:30pm Buses depart for free time 5:30pm Dinner(included) 6:30pm Massed Rehearsal with Guest Conductor 9:30pm Buses return to accommodations Saturday, July 1 CANADA DAY! Note: walking to all destinations on this day. 6:00am Breakfast (included) TBD Depart for NAC TBD Gather in assigned rehearsal room for warm up TBD UNISONG Massed choral concert TBD Gather in assigned rehearsal room backstage for announcements & thank yous Free time TBD Dinner (included, location TBA) TBD Possible Additional Performance 9:30pm Walk to pre-selected location to watch the fireworks 11:00pm Buses depart City Hall (Laurier & Elgin Streets) for 90University for those who would rather ride than walk
Sunday, July 2 8:00am Breakfast (included) at accommodations. Check out, return room key and pay any personal charges.