srpenner@shaw.ca
Shirley is a music, arts & education graduate from Colleges and Universities in Chicago and Toronto. She also completed business & arts administration courses at the Banff School of Fine Arts and at York University. Her successful career includes performing, teaching, directing and producing at all levels from Elementary through University. She has produced for television and has worked with a broad range of both professional and amateur performing arts companies. Prior to leaving Winnipeg, where she held the position of Cultural Development Officer for the Province of Manitoba, Shirley founded a popular performing arts youth organization known as the “Treble-Teens”, as well as a number of Community Arts Councils and Music & Arts Festivals at the Provincial, Regional and local levels. Relocating to Calgary in 1984, Shirley held the position of Performing Arts Consultant at Mount Royal College. She founded Youth Singers of Calgary in 1985, a highly successful performing arts youth organization. Starting with a small group of 26 students, she never dreamed it would grow to its present size. Shirley has been awarded “Woman of Distinction” by the YWCA for her contribution to the Performing Arts in Calgary, named a “Paul Harris Fellow” by Rotary International and received a 2005 Alberta Centennial Outstanding Citizen Award and a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for her work in promoting the Arts in Calgary and for her outstanding contribution to the community, province and Canada. Her philosophy is shaped by her lifetime involvement and passion for the performing arts. Her goal is to assist young people in building their self-esteem and encouraging their talents and imaginations, while challenging each individual to pursue their hopes and dreams. She has extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of traditional, as well as commercial performing arts and is an experienced speaker, judge and clinician, particularly in the area of arts administration and building successful arts organizations.
keith@youthsingers.org
Keith has been with Youth Singers since 1996 starting as the bookkeeper and eventually becoming the Financial Administrator for the organization as well as the Office Manager. Keith proudly has had two granddaughters who participated in the program. In his spare time, he likes to entertain at senior lodges with his singing and guitar. Currently, Keith oversees a mission outreach in Ecuador, South America and is on the pastoral care committee at Hillcrest extended Care. He loves the great outdoors, especially fishing and camping.
marketing@youthsingers.org
New to Youth Singers of Calgary, Shannon is not new to the Calgary music scene. Living in Alberta all her life, she was born in Edmonton, but grew up in the small Northern Alberta community of Whitecourt. Shannon moved to Calgary in 2010 from Brooks, where she spent over 15 years as a volunteer for the Diabetes Association (Brooks & District) serving as President of the Board of Directors, as well as co-chairing various fundraising committees. Passionate about music and the performing arts her whole life, Shannon launched her own accredited online music magazine in 2009, featuring today’s hottest musicians, as well as shining the spotlight on Independent artists, who otherwise might not get the exposure they deserve. Now with 26 members on its editorial team, covering locations all across North America, The PORTAL Magazine has grown in popularity to gather over 12,000 readers a month worldwide. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in music and has provided media coverage for some of Canada’s largest recording arts events, including The JUNO Awards, Canadian Music Week, Breakout West Music Conference & Western Canadian Music Awards and The Calgary Stampede, just to name a few. As a member of the Alberta Music Industry Association and Music Calgary, Shannon is very active in the Calgary Original Independent music scene, judging various competitions, sponsoring and promoting CD Release Parties and mentoring young artists to better maximize their potential both artistically and commercially. She is delighted to join the YSC team as it’s given her an opportunity to combine her skills in marketing and promotion with her passion for the performing arts.
cathyis@youthsingers.org
Cathy’s time with Youth Singers began in 2003 when her son, who is still a member, joined KIDZXPRESS.. At the time she had left her career as a Chemical Engineer to be a stay-at-home mom of 3 and volunteer extraordinaire. While caring for her children she also served on various School Councils, advisory committees, planning committees and helped wherever the need arose: school, community, sports teams as well as at Youth Singers. In 2007 Cathy joined the YSC Office Admin team in a part time capacity assisting with admin work, the alumni database, and supported the development department. Now, at almost full time, she is the Development Manager, Alumni Liaison and Board Liaison. Outside of Youth Singers she is actively involved with the operations of Calgary Adrenaline Fastball Association and Ringette Calgary.
volunteer@youthsingers.org
Ian Samuels has been involved with the arts for a long time in Calgary. A published poet with two collections to his credit (most recently The Ubiquitous Big through Coach House Press), he was a founding editor of the literary magazine Filling Station, has worked as a local freelance writer, and has volunteered and worked for many local reading series and arts festivals, including the Calgary International Folk Music Festival. He is a graduate of the University of Calgary (where he studied Creative Writing at the Master’s level) and has extensive experience in volunteer and event management gained through over a decade’s work with WordFest: Banff-Calgary International Writers Festival, as well as with other organizations like the environmental initiative Project Porchlight. Though Ian focuses on writing these days, he also has a musical background through (among other things) his years spent in the Calgary Boys’ Choir. Discovering the affiliation that so many old friends from those days – and so many friends from years since – have had with Youth Singers has made joining the YSC team feel curiously like coming home.
steven@youthsingers.org
Starting with a brief stint of accordion lessons at age five and running the gamut of school bands and choirs, music still fills Steven’s life. Steven received a Bachelor of Music in voice from the University of Lethbridge (cum lauda). His music studies have carried him across Canada and to a number of countries including Germany, Cuba, the United States and England, and to numerous stages. Performance highlights include: Gilbert (Anne of Green Gables), Joseph (Technicolor Dreamcoat), Frederick (Pirates of Penzance), Nanki-Poo (The Mikado), The Baker (Into the Woods), Ferrando (Cosi Fan Tutte), Fabrizio (The Light in the Piazza), Noah (Children of Eden), Marco (Gondoliers – Apr 2013) and Marius (Les Mis – Dec 2013). On the side, he is an amateur of yoga, sign language and is working on developing ideas for choral music, operas and musicals of his own. Steven was a member of ONCUE from January – May 2004 and joined the YSC admin team in August 2010. After taking on the role of production manager November 2011 he established The CAST Program with YSC in June 2012 of which he is musical director. He has also worked as a production manager for Cowtown Opera Company, sessional assistant director for Lyric Opera Studio Weimar and choral director of Something Different (a division of ARCS).
alida@youthsingers.org
Alida Lowe is an artist who works across disciplines as a producer and manager, and has also trained as an actor, director, and musician. In addition to her work in the Production office at Youth Singers, she is the Producing Director of Burnt Thicket Theatre and together with her husband, Colin, co-founder of Estuary Creative, which provides creative services and arts support to organizations in the Calgary area. Alida holds an MFA in Producing from California Institute of the Arts and a BAR in Theatre Arts from Rocky Mountain College. She currently sings with and is on the board of Cum Vino Cantus, a Calgary-based choir that strives for “the playful pursuit of choral excellence,” and has worked both professionally and as a volunteer with organizations such as Calgary Arts Development, Fire Exit Theatre, the Canadian Badlands Passion Play, and the CalArts Coffeehouse Theater. Alida and Colin live in a charming old house with crooked walls, secret crawl spaces, and a mail slot in their closet door.
yscadmin@youthsingers.org
Karma has been singing and performing publicly since the age of 9. She has been in over 15 choirs and singing groups in the last 27 years including ACT 3, ONCUE and ENCORE at Youth Singers of Calgary. Karma met her husband at Youth Singers while he was playing the piano for the SENIOR HI Division in 1995. Together, they have a son who also performs with YSC. Karma and David moved to California a year after they were married where Karma taught herself how to design and program websites and graphics. She and David, own a website development company and have worked on numerous websites in many different industries since 1997. Karma and David now have an active role on the Website Design Team at YSC. Karma has worked in the scrapbooking industry since 1996 both with paper and digital scrapbooking. She has taught numerous people how to preserve their memories and has attended many international training courses for preserving heritage and archives. Last year Karma went on a sabbatical from running and designing an online digital scrapbooking community with over 7000 registered members.
payc@youthsingers.org
Dylan Rambow began musical education at the age of five, beginning with the piano. After many years of studies in piano he then switched gears and taught himself guitar, where he enjoys playing in many different styles, such as Heavy Metal, Bluegrass, Jazz, and Prog Rock. Dylan also continued his musical education through Jr.High and Sr.High School, picking up many woodwind instruments like the Tenor Saxophone, and the Clarinet, after which Dylan went into Jazz Drumming, and was the drummer for his High School Jazz Band and bands after graduation as well, for a total of five years experience. In University, Dylan has taken instruction through the Mount Royal Conservatory on the Pipe Organ, and has since become the Organist for the Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church. He has taken Audio Engineering / Recording Engineering through SAIT, and is also a Freelance Composer, specializing in Neo-Baroque and early 20th Century style composing. Dylan’s current projects include drumming for a Prog Rock band in Calgary, and composing Latin Choral Preludes for a collection he intends to use for a Choir in Corpus Christi.
dgchristianson@gmail.com
Dr. Christianson hails from Naicam, Saskatchewan and holds a DMA in Choral Music from Arizona State University and a Masters in Choral Music from the University of Calgary. Before returning to Alberta in 2006, he was Director of Choral Activities at Jamestown College in Jamestown, North Dakota for eight rewarding years. Under his leadership, the JC Concert Choir made several recordings and toured extensively throughout North America and Europe. Among others, he has studied with Weston Noble, Donald Hunsberger, Malcolm Edwards, Timothy Russell, and Joseph Jennings. Dr. Christianson has long been active with worship and music in the Lutheran churches and while in Phoenix was Minister of Music at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church where he founded the “Spirit Song Arts Center.” An active composer, Christianson has published sacred music for KJOS Music since 1997. The fall of 2011 finds the conductor returning to lead the University of Calgary Chamber Choir and the Valley Winds Choir in Canmore. In September Dr. Christianson joined YSC as Director of ACT 3 as well as Principal Director of Combined Choirs for all Divisions. Christianson says that a favorite part of choir preparations is selecting just the right repertoire for each group. With so much great music to pick from, and much of it being Canadian, there are pieces that work well for the different choirs that give the singers a joyful challenge and the audience an evening to remember.
edwards@ucalgary.ca
Malcolm was born in Halifax, England and immigrated to Canada in 1967. He is a graduate of Sheffield College of Education (UK), Trinity College of Music, London, the University of Lethbridge, the University of Montana and has done further graduate work at the University of Northern Colorado. He taught music in junior and senior high school for twelve years in southern Alberta before joining the University of Calgary in 1980. He was a Professor of Music at the University of Calgary where he directed the University Chorus and was a former Head of the Department. He has been affiliated with Youth Singers of Calgary since 1989 and retired as the director of the ACT 3 Division in August 2011. He has held leadership positions within the Alberta Choral Federation, the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors, served on the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and is active as a choral adjudicator and workshop leader in schools and churches. He is the recipient of two awards from the Provincial Federation – one in recognition of advocacy in arts education and the second in acknowledgment of exemplary service to choral music within the Province of Alberta. In 2004 he received recognition from the national body (ACCC) for twenty-five years of service to the Canadian choral community.
tpenner@wsd1.org
Tricia Penner has an extensive music and performing arts background. She has studied the performing arts and education in Manitoba and with various experts from Canada and the United States. She is the Performing Arts Consultant in the Winnipeg School Division, works with the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Learning Through The Arts Program and is the Creative Director of Programming and Producer of two main stage productions of the Youth Singers of Calgary. She has had the pleasure of serving as Guest Conductor for the Central Manitoba Honour Choir, the Louis Riel School Division Honour Choir, the Provincial Honour Choir and the Eastman Region Honour Choir. In Winnipeg, she conducts the Winnipeg School Division South Honour Choir and the Junior Hi Divisional Choir with Carolyn Boyes. She is currently working together with the Winnipeg Symphony Choir on their “Music Connections” Project. When she is not working, she spends her time with her amazing children, Brett and Alexa Rae.
edwards@ucalgary.ca
Miss Katheryne joined Youth Singers of Calgary in 1992 as a director of the KIDS & MUSIC program. Prior to Youth Singers, she was a teacher for the Calgary Separate School Board with experience in both choral and band. Miss Katheryne graduated from the University of Alberta (B.Ed Secondary Music) and the University of Calgary (M.Ed Early Childhood Music). In addition, she has an extensive background with the Kodaly philosophy of music education, which influences her pedagogy in the K&M curriculum. She is a firm believer in music for all and music for music’s sake. Within a nurturing environment, a developmentally based repertoire of childhood song, chants, games and movement activities come together to lay the foundation for later and more sophisticated musical involvement. Outside of YSC, Miss Katheryne is a church soloist and is the founding member of a Christmas quartet that performs at many corporate and community seasonal events.
dmonkey@telus.net
Chris was one of YSC’s original members, and after studying Education for five years at the University of Calgary, he has spent the last 20 years working in the entertainment industry. Currently he is an independent writer, producer, choreographer and performance coach, as well as a professional singer, with many voiceover and recording credits to his name. Here at Youth Singers, he is the organization’s Principal Choreographer and Director of the ensemble SHINE. Chris coaches High School and University-aged performing groups and has produced internationally acclaimed performances that have toured world-wide. Chris is also the Entertainment Director at Calaway Park, having written and produced over 50 stage shows and developed the park’s entertainment programming. He has worked as a member of the International Theme Park Association Entertainment Committee, collaborating with other entertainment professionals from venues such as Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Cedar Point, and the Walt Disney properties as a resource and consultant for Entertainment professionals across the globe in the theme park industry. Three of his original stage shows have been nominated for the International Theme Park Entertainment Awards. Chris has also worked with the nationally-acclaimed event company The musegroup producing custom themed shows for various events in Southern Alberta, and has taught several staging and choreography workshops at the University of Texas, TX and Miracosta College, CA. Chris is proud to work in the vibrant arts scene of Calgary and anywhere projects take him. On the educational side, with so many young people with undiscovered talents, he takes every opportunity to help young performers reach their potential and become not only great performers, but great citizens and leaders.
sirensongs4u@yahoo.ca
Full of boundless enthusiasm and creativity, Lisa has spent her entire life immersed in the arts. For more than 20 years she has been training young people all over Calgary and Northern Alberta. Lisa has worked extensively with “Calaway Live”, Triangle Musical Theatre School, Alberta Theatre Works, Evergreen Theatre, the University of Calgary’s “Dance Montage” and numerous high schools throughout the city. Over the summer she takes a break from teaching, directing and producing to head up to the Yukon where she spends her nights performing for Holland America Cruise Lines. Lisa has performed as a member of Youth Singers for many years and has been the Assistant Principal Choreographer working primarily with the 225+ students, 14 years old and under, in the KIDS & MUSIC, KIDAZZLE, KIDZXPRESS and JUNIOR HI Divisions of YSC as well as Choreographer for SECOND CHANTS. Her 1940′s cabaret, “The Lava Lounge” is currently being performed on the conference circuit and she is thrilled to be working on her first CD.
dbmorton@shaw.ca
David is a graduate of the University of Calgary Music Department, studying voice, and holds a degree in Theory and Composition. As a performer, he has enjoyed performing countless concerts, festivals and competitions all over the world. Dave has been involved with Youth Singers of Calgary for over 20 years as one of the original members, joining the artistic staff of the organization over 10 years ago. In addition to arranging choral music for all ages and skill levels at YSC, Dave works as a track producer, band leader/ guitarist and currently directs the YSC a cappella ensemble ONCUE. He lives in Calgary with his wife Jennifer, a YSC alumnus, and their 2 children who are also members of YSC.
kathy4ys@shaw.ca
Kathy is the Director of SECOND CHANTS, Associate Director of the SENIOR HI division and the Music Editor for all Divisions. Her association with Youth Singers began in 1997 when she was hired as Accompanist to the SENIOR HI Division. Outside of Youth Singers she is the full-time Director of Music at Central United Church. Kathy is married and has two adult sons.
kparrotta@shaw.ca
Kathryn is the Choral Director for the JUNIOR HI division of Youth Singer and sessional instructor for ENCORE. She is also a vocal clinician at several high schools throughout Calgary and maintains a private voice studio. As a composer, Kathryn has been commissioned dozens of works for choirs around Alberta, many of which can be found published by Alliance publications in Houston, Texas and Cypress Music Publishing in Canada. In April 2009 Kathryn completed her Master of Music degree in choral conducting. As a professional singer, she performs with ONCUE. Kathryn is married and has 2 young daughters.
dsop@shaw.ca
Deanna has been a staff member of Youth Singers of Calgary since 2002. Her first 4 years on staff as the Assistant Director of KIDZXPRESS, moving in 2006 to Choral Director of KIDZXPRESS and, one year later, expanded her role to include Director of KIDAZZLE. Deanna brings a wealth of music and performance experience to the Youth Singer organization. Prior to her joining YSC, Deanna worked as a professional singer and actor with company credits including: The Citadel – Edmonton, The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, The Charlottetown Festival Young Company, and Stage West – Calgary. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree, a Bachelor of Music degree, and has worked for several years as an elementary school music teacher for the Calgary Board of Education. Deanna has also held positions on staff for Youth Singers as Resident Theatre Instructor, Stage Manager – TADA Summer Camp, performed as an ensemble member of ONCUE and is now a member of ENCORE.
cwhidden@ucalgary.ca
Colleen recently completed her Doctoral program in Music Education at the University of Calgary. She has worked with the University of Calgary Symphonic Band, the University of Calgary Chamber Choir and recently formed the University of Calgary Operetta Company. Colleen earned her Masters and Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Alberta. She spent her teaching career in 100 Mile House, British Columbia where she taught instrumental music, choral music and musical theatre at the secondary and community level. She served as an ACF and BCMEA board member and has facilitated provincial music educators’ conferences and festivals. Colleen is a frequent contributor to professional journals as well as national and international music education conferences. She is proud to be part of the Youth Singer team as the SENIOR HI Choral Director. Colleen is married and has two beautiful daughters who sing with YSC.
david.holoboff@gmail.com
David studied piano starting at age 6 and received many placements in Kiwanis Festival competitions before he started teaching piano at age 11. At age 16, he placed second nationally at the Canadian Music Competition in Quebec and started playing and directing in churches, hotels, venues and dance companies including the Alberta Ballet and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. He joined YSC as an accompanist and track producer for SENIOR HI and ACT 3. Later on, David and his wife Karma, whom he met at Youth Singers, moved to Burbank, California, where David continued teaching piano, playing for show choirs, accompanying at church and playing gigs throughout Los Angeles. These included playing for Jodi Benson (voice of the Little Mermaid), Seth Riggs (vocal coach for over 120 grammy winners), and Dr. Gary Bonner. David and his family returned to Calgary where David directs ENCORE, accompanies JUNIOR HI and ACT 3 and arranges choral music and produces tracks for various YSC divisions. David’s daytime job is in database administration. Outside of YSC he enjoys his time with Karma and their son Hunter.
hoo@jssbarristers.ca
Oliver has been Assistant to the Director for the JUNIOR HI Division and also as Vocal Coach for SENIOR HI for several years. This past year Oliver also took on the additional role of Managing Director of the Mens Chorus. Oliver spent 15 years singing with the Calgary Boys’ Choir and has had extensive vocal and choral training spending 7 years studying with Gerald Wirth, Artistic Director of the Vienna Choir Boys. Having recorded numerous albums, sang on many concert tours, and performed solos as a boy soprano in festivals and competitions across multiple continents, Oliver is right at home with YSC. Oliver joined the YSC family as a member of ONCUE in 2003, his participation since that time has grown. After that first year with ONCUE, Oliver expanded his involvement and joined as a member of ACT 3 and SHINE. While Oliver’s involvement with YSC brings him to the PAYC rehearsal facility multiple evenings each week, he spends his days practicing law and completing his MBA.
ebug_19@yahoo.com
Donald joined Youth Singers during the 96/97season. Since then, he has been a member of SENIOR HI, ACT 3 and SHINE, a Division that he played a significant role in creating. Donald has worked in staff positions with the KIDZXPRESS, JUNIOR HI, ACT 3, SHINE, and SECOND CHANTS. He has traveled with YSC as a performer to Florida/Bahamas, Australia/New Zealand, China, New York, and Europe. As a staff member Donald has accompanied JUNIOR HI to California on several occasions, where they brought back high standard gold awards both as a concert choir and show-choir, and worked as a SENIOR HI/ACT 3 staff member on tour in China. He performs in various shows across Calgary, and teaches dance and show-choir to various choirs and community groups. Donald holds a Sociology degree from the University of Calgary. He currently is a Holistic Therapist for a brain injury rehabilitation agency.
katherine.burrowes@gmail.com
Katherine is a well-known performer and choreographer in the Calgary arts community. She began her dance and vocal training with YSC in 1995, and soon after expanded her studio training to include Absolute Dance Inc. She followed her passion for dance to the University of Calgary Dance Program where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance, graduating with Distinction. She continued on to train with the Decidedly Jazz Danceworks Professional Program for two years, while performing professionally as a singer and dancer. A long-standing love of urban dance lead Katherine to co-found the successful Hip-Hop company illFX Entertainment, who have performed with such artists as Sean Kingston, Keston Ross, Groove Academy and Raghav. She has also performed with The Calgary Spurs, House of Dangerkat, SHINE ensemble, Elektra Dance Company and various entertainment agencies. She has also had the privilege of performing on numerous international tours with Youth Singers. She continues to choreograph for YSC, as well as for numerous dance studios, performing groups and schools in and around Calgary. Integrating an excitement for travel, Katherine has also studyied dance around the world. Her knowledge base includes Hip-Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Musical Theatre, West African, Dancehall, Vogue, Waacking, Swing, Latin, and Ballroom. She strives for knowledge and excellence in dance and music, and believes firmly in the value of education and self-expression through art.
waydaloohoo@hotmail.com
Amanda is excited to be directing the newest Division of Youth Singers, STAR. Amanda has been a part of the Youth Singers family for 20 years, and currently performs with the Division SHINE. She graduated in 2008 with a Child Studies Degree and Certificate in Mental Health from Mount Royal University. After completing her degree program, she expanded her professional experience by working with organizations such as the Special Olympics, Between Friends Club, the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary and Side Door. Working with these specific community programs shaped her desire to combine her two biggest passions in life – performing arts and working with special needs children. STAR was developed through a collaborative effort, combining her personal passions with the creative expertise of Youth Singers. Amanda looks forward to creating amazing memories for children much like the ones she herself had with Youth Singers. Amanda’s energy and passion for children is evident when you watch her interact with them. She has a warm and nurturing demeanor and has a genuine love of music. She will bring these qualities to STAR, helping children to find their own love for performing. Amanda continues to be an active member of Youth Singers; she performs with a Calgary band; she is learning guitar; and she takes opportunities to learn new skills which she can apply while teaching. Amanda believes YSC has given her endless positive and exciting opportunities and she is thrilled to be opening that door for children in the STAR program.
Jennifer brings to STAR a wide variety of musical and professional experience. She has a strong passion for music and has had a relationship with Youth Singers of Calgary for 25 years. She first joined as a singer in 1986 and has been involved as a committee member, member of the Board of Directors and most recently as a parent of a child participating in a Youth Singers Division. Jennifer has experienced firsthand the life long memories and enriching experiences that Youth Singers offers its participants. After completing her post-secondary education in Social Work, Jennifer began what has become a 14 year career of supporting individuals with special needs. Beginning as a frontline therapist, she provided direct treatment programming to children with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum for several years. Jennifer now works as a Registered Social Worker, supporting families and children living with autism and related disorders. Alongside her professional experience, Jennifer, herself, is a parent of a child with special needs. A journey close to her heart, Jennifer recognizes the value of developmentally appropriate programming that enhances social skill development and a successful sense of belonging. Jennifer is thrilled to be a part of the STAR team and looks forward to an exciting year!
mjensen@apu.edu
Michelle is a choral director, clinician, and teacher. Currently conducting the Chamber Singers and teaching in the area of Music Education at Azusa Pacific University, she has also served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Southern California where she earned both her BM and MME and is currently pursuing a DMA in Choral Music. Michelle is a member of both SAG and AFTRA with an extensive performance resume including commercials, voiceovers, music videos, guest-star roles on television and live performances. Michelle continues to serve as a clinician, adjudicator, honor choir conductor, choreographer, and guest artist throughout the United States and abroad.
amelia.kellar@gmail.com
Amelia began dancing at the age of three with Margo Dance Company in Markham, Ontario. She began competing with Kick’s Dance Company’s competitive team at the age of twelve, studying Ballet, Musical Theatre and Jazz. After moving to the east coast of Canada with her family, she was honoured to train with DancEast Young Company in Moncton, New Brunswick, training in RAD and Cechetti ballet, Modern, Contemporary and Jazz in their pre-professional program and teaching. Amelia furthered her training at Queen’s Dance while attending Queen’s University, graduating in 2007 with a degree in Biology and 2009 with a Master’s degree in Pathology & Molecular Medicine. Amelia moved to Calgary in 2009 and began teaching Musical Theatre, Ballet & Jazz for the School of Decidedly Jazz. She has been performing with ACT3 since 2009 and is currently part of the YSC choreography team.
production@youthsingers.org
Jocelyn is the script writer for Youth Singers of Calgary and her involvement with this organization spans over 25 years. Starting as a 12 year-old singer in 1986 Jocelyn has continued to belong to various Divisions of Youth Singers and finally became a staff member in 2001. She is also a full time mom to her two sons and wife to her husband Jeremy (ONCUE) whom she met in Youth Singers when they were partnered together as “couple at a high school dance” . She is a SAIT graduate with a Diploma in Television Production (Major in Writing Production, Minor in Camera). Prior to joining the YS staff Jocelyn had a varied and interesting, if rather exhausting, career in casting for film and television.
truusverkley@hotmail.com
Truus is an artist and educator based out of Calgary, Alberta. She is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria. Her recent choreographic credits include: Soulocentric Festival, Calgary; WIP, Saskatoon, Klondike Kapers, Edmonton, and Shopping, Shopping in Dubai, UAE. She is also a sought after director and performer whose work has been seen all over Canada including the Frantic Follies in Whitehorse, Yukon, several seasons of theatre in Fort Steele, BC and 2 seasons with Vinok Worldance. She also runs a small dance/theatre company for children called Puddle of Mud Productions.
jeff.diodati@gmail.com
Jeff started singing and dancing with Youth Singers over 15 years ago as a young performer in the KIDS & MUSIC Division. Since 2009, Jeff has taken on the role of Theatre Arts Assistant and is also a member of ACT 3 and SHINE performing Divisions of Youth Singers. He is excited to return to YSC this year, adding Assistant Choreographer to his YSC involvement. Jeff returned to the YSC family in 2009 after a 5 year hiatus where he earned his BSc in Chemical Engineering and a BA(Honours) in Drama at Queen’s University in Ontario. Past experience includes performing in various productions in musical theatre and work in stage direction. Jeff has performed and worked around Calgary as a member of Calaway Live, U of C Dance Montage, U of C Operetta Company, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, and as a choreographer with St. Francis High School Musical Theatre program.
lethompson@live.ca
Lauren is a member of the Youth Singers of Calgary both as a semi-professional performer and a choreographer for multiple divisions within the organization. Lauren has performed locally with Calaway Live, University of Calgary’s Dance Montage, UCalgary Operetta, and Storybook Theatre where she also choreographed Camp Rock the Musical. Her choreography experience includes Decidedly Jazz Danceworks summer camps, Theatre A Go-Go, Puddle of Mud Productions, St. Francis High School as well as developed, choreographed and co-directed the Youth Singers’ GLEEK OUT! summer program. Having graduated from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, Lauren gained significant experience in the Media industry while working in marketing at the Calgary Sun. While furthering her career in both marketing and performance, Lauren is proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization for these many years.
Lorel.pianist@gmail.com
Lorel is a collaborative pianist for the SECOND CHANTS Division of the Youth Singers of Calgary. She fills the rest of her hours as an accompanist for ballet, choirs and teaching students. Lorel loves dancing and drinking coffee.
jbbraun@telus.net
Sharon is a seasoned musician and educator with many years of experience as an accompanist and teacher. She has an ARCT degree in Piano Performance and has accompanied many choirs, including the Calgary Boys Choir, school choirs and Youth Singers. She has also been involved with several church and musical theatre groups. Sharon especially enjoys her work with YSC and has even involved two of her grand-children in the KIDS & MUSIC program.
Amy Glenn, pianist, has worked as Vocal Coach/Accompanist for various organizations including San Francisco Opera Center, Calgary Opera, Philharmonia Baroque, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco Boys Chorus, San Francisco City Chorus, West Bay Opera, Golden Gate Opera, the Cinnabar Theater, Bay Area Summer Opera Theater Institute, American Conservatory Theater, American Music and Dramatic Academy, Cantare con vivo, Musae, and the Opera Academy of California. Amy has worked as principal coach/accompanist on a wide variety of full productions including La Boheme, Carmen, Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, Falstaff, Hansel and Gretel, The Merry Widow, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Le nozze di Figaro, Otello, Pique Dame, Tartuffe, The Medium, Little Women, The Tales of Hoffman, and La Traviata among others. Amy worked as principal conductor and music director for The Medium and principal coach and assistant conductor for the west coast premier of Tobias Picker’s Emmeline, both with the Cinnabar Theater. She also collaborated in the world premier of Arthur Bachmann’s What Brought Us Here with Calgary Opera this past fall. While Amy continues her concert work throughout the bay area, she has most recently moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada where she enjoys concert work, playing for various choral organizations, and joining the coaching staff at Calgary Opera. Her degrees include Piano Performance from Brigham Young University (B.M.) and Piano Accompanying with Vocal Coaching emphasis from Florida State University (M.M.). Amy was excited and enthusiastic about joining the KIDSZXPRESS division of Youth Singers this past year, as her husband, operatic tenor & grammy-award winner, Thomas Glenn, is a Youth Singers alumnus. They are thrilled that their twin daughters, Audrey & Bronwyn are carrying on their family tradition of singing with such a great organization.
reido@shaw.ca
Reid has been connected to Youth Singers in various capacities since 1996. He initially joined as a performer, and then joined staff as a music arranger and composer, and a director in various Divisions. He served in YSC leadership roles for 10 years. He is a former director of ONCUE and produced three ONCUE recorded albums. Reid currently works as a Music Arranger for Youth Singers. He is married to Beth McLean Wiest, who performed and worked with YSC since its inception until 2009. Together, they have three children, and they have also started a new young adult choir called “Harmony Through Harmony”, which seeks to build community, develop leaders, and promote justice through music. Reid’s day job is as a family doctor in NW Calgary.
moodadjimusic@shaw.ca
Kristian is on staff as one of Youth Singers’ Resident Arrangers as well as the Musical Director and Keyboardist for the YSC pit orchestra at both main stage shows. Kristian has been with YSC since 2000. He is also a full time pianist, percussionist, composer and a producer. He has toured across Canada and most of Europe alongside Randy Brecker, Jens Lindeman, Senator Tommy Banks, Tom Jackson, Shannon Gaye and his original band; F.U.J.A. Kristian is also a longstanding Musical Director and Composer for Decidedly Jazz Danceworks.
w_tsoi@hotmail.com
William had no music background but found himself at home when he joined the ACT3 Division of YSC in 2005. From then on, he began to learn to read music, as well as familiar himself with basic music theories taught by Malcolm Edwards. He later join the ONCUE division in 2008, allowing him to further extend his depth as a performer. William is continuing his performing career as a member of ONCUE as well as taking part in the community theater. His first theatre production was U of C Operetta Company’s Children of Eden. With his background in Information Technology and a freelance web designer, William was able to help YSC on their redesign of the current website.
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