Newfound Sound has won numerous awards and trophies in barbershop competitions. We are the only barbershop chorus to compete in the Kiwanis Music Festival Group Rose Bowl 1999 - placing second and receiving the George Matheson Trophy. We place a lot of value in giving back to the community by singing for charities and non-profit organizations. We are a teaching organization and through the power of a cappella singing we form lasting friendships, promote leadership and support women of all ages and backgrounds. And we have lots of fun doing it!
Past Director Brandon Olsen September 2018 - May 2021
Branden Olsen is a rising Canadian bass-baritone, pedagogical clinician, and conductor of special promise. Born in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Branden has performed on piano and voice and as a choral director for the last decade, winning awards and prizes for both piano and vocal performance. He has performed in Canada and Europe in diverse operatic roles spanning the Baroque to Late – Romantic periods. Hailed as a “Tour de Force” by the Dutch National Opera coach, Natalie Doucet, and as a “Natural conductor” by Mount Allison professors Dr. Gary Tucker and Dr. Greg Burton,
Olsen is excited by and thrives in new and challenging musical situations. Branden received his Bachelor of Music Mount Allison University Sackville, N.B – 2017 with focus on piano, voice, conducting; with a concentrated focus of pedagogy, collaborative skills, performance, and early music. He is currently working on a Master of Music at Memorial University in St. John's, NL in voice (2018/19) and conducting (2019/20).
Previous director positions include Saint John’s United Church Moncton NB, Mount Allison University Chapel Sackville NB, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Sackville NB and Windsbreath Children’s Theatre Amherst NB. Branden is looking forward to his new experience directing in the barbershop harmony style.
Past Director Elaine Galloway 2011 - 2016
Elaine Galloway became the Director for Newfound Sound in 2011. She has enjoyed the Barbershop style of music throughout her entire life, her father being Alex Andrews (founding member and long-time Director of the Anchormen Chorus). Since joining Newfound Sound she has been actively involved in many capacities including, but not limited to, Baritone Section Leader; Warm-up Director; Teaching Quartet Co-ordinator; and Baritone for the Teaching Quartet. In addition to coaching quartets, Elaine has sung baritone with quartets Synergy and Selkie, and has sung lead with a mixed quartet.
Elaine has been performing musically since the age of six around her hometown of St. John's. She plays the piano, guitar, djembe, and has studied voice under the tutelage of Canadian soprano Melanie Kruger. Elaine also composes music and songs for the piano, flute, and guitar.
Elaine and her husband Shaun have three children each of whom plays at least one musical instrument. Her youngest son also sings baritone with the Anchormen Chorus. In her spare time, when she's not travelling with her family, Elaine enjoys golf, watercolour painting, and hiking.
