Music
Music has played a fundamental role in my life and has largely formed who I am as a person. I’ve performed on stage since I was five years old and am very comfortable being in front of large crowds. Music has given me incredible opportunities from community building to world travel.
Allegra Singers
From 1996 to 2021 I was the Musical Director of the Allegra Singers. As director, I ensured the choir was welcoming and accessible to anybody regardless of their musical ability. I was in charge of rehearsals and performances as well as the development of practice materials. I also held sectionals at my home and created music workshops for the choir’s retreats.
I put a lot of value in creating strong ties between the choir and the community. I began the tradition of giving to a local non-profit organization in our bi-annual concert series. Each time, the choir members chose a local group to receive the proceeds of our concert. The organization selected was given a spot in our concert program to highlight the work they do, in addition to having a table set up for concert goers to learn more or donate directly. I have always felt that it is a beautiful definition of community when one non-profit organization can pay it forward to another.
Twice a year I brought the choir out into the community to perform at local seniors centres, and I delighted in choosing the publicly funded homes and bringing the residents a high-quality performance. During my time as director I coordinated several mini music tours as well as a major tour of Ireland. The choir’s Ireland tour took choir members to 5 different cities with a performance in each. I also supported the choir’s Board of Directors in their fundraising efforts and grant applications.
Butchart Gardens
I was a Christmas caroler at Butchart Gardens from 1995 to 2024. My work included singing in a quartet at the Gardens, as well as at a variety of public and private functions. I was responsible for singing either the Alto line or the Soprano line for more than 60 songs.
The group that holds the contract has two CDs to its credit. I was not only selected as a performer for both CDs, but also co-produced the second one.
Private Lessons
I began giving private music lessons in 1990 to students aged 5 to 60+, and in the 10 years that followed, I built a solid and full teaching schedule. I taught piano, voice, clarinet, and guitar in my home studio.