Shirley Penner

Founder, CEO and Artistic Director

In 1985, Shirley Penner embarked upon a venture that would change her life. As the Performing Arts Development consultant for Mount Royal College in Calgary and Executive Director of the Performing Arts Consulting & Coordination Educational Service of College Related Societies, Shirley was in an enviable position. Her experience was gained from years of working in the cultural sector in Manitoba, where she served as development manager for the Department of Culture, Heritage and Recreation in addition to many other senior positions. She could have continued her career track at Mount Royal College, however she was intrigued by an idea that would eventually see her resign her position to pursue her dream full time. That dream became reality with the formation of the Youth Singers of Calgary.

Shirley's dream was to create a unique choral program

Shirley's dream was to create a unique choral program for young people that incorporated elements of showmanship as well as musicianship. It would provide comprehensive training in the performance of classical, jazz, folk and contemporary music, musical theatre and dance. Armed with determination, vision, an arsenal of experience and the artistic assistance of daughter Tricia and cohort Darlene Dusevic - both of whom had worked alongside her from the start - Shirley set out to provide a unique performance education program for young people. Over the next six years, an elaborate, highly effective and challenging program evolved. Eventually, the program consisted of four performing divisions spanning elementary to post-secondary aged young people. In 1993, a music education program for pre-schoolers was added. Membership grew from twenty eight Junior High students in 1985 to over 300 in 1995. The organizational structure of Youth Singers is an ingenious feat of engineering, designed by Penner after having run similar organizations like the Treble Teens in Manitoba. Her experience with volunteer organizations and the not-for-profit sector aided Penner in building an integrated, synergistic collective of parent volunteers, artistic and administrative personnel and community patrons.

Over 550 Youth Singers

Youth Singers celebrated 10 years during the 1995-96 season and was proud to mark the occasion with a special anniversary concert at the Jubilee Auditorium. In deciding on a theme for the season, Shirley Penner was having a hard time capturing the essence of the milestone without being too retrospective. Finally, driving in her car one day it came to her: "Keeping the Dream Alive!" Therein lay the message she wished to convey. "We're not resting on our laurels" she explains. "We're looking ahead and continually rejuvenating the dream." Asked what she considered the greatest success of Youth Singers, Penner replied "You know, as an organization, we can't cure the world's problems, but we can do our little part. I think if you have 300+ kids who are actively involved, growing and progressing in their education and life skills, that to me is success."

Keeping the Dream Alive

Over twenty years have flown by and much has been accomplished by Youth Singers. Tireless, visionary and with the power of her convictions, Shirley Penner remains at the helm of this unique organization, ready to take on new challenges and guide the continual rejuvenation of her dream. With the aid of a dedicated staff, volunteer corps and community support, she is indeed "Keeping the Dream Alive!"