Although I have given up my long career with Vancouver-based Elektra, I am still active as a choral conductor with EnChor Choir and on a freelance basis. With more flexibility now in my schedule, I would be delighted to discuss ways in which I might collaborate with you. Here are some ways in which I like to work:
Guest Conductor
I can program all or part of your choir’s concert in collaboration with you, tailoring repertoire to the configuration, skills, and aspirations of your ensemble. I specialize in the wealth of fine Canadian contemporary choral music but love music of all eras and cultures. After you have led the initial rehearsal period, I can arrive a week or more before the performance to work with the choir for several rehearsals and conduct all or part of the concert.
Honour Choir Conductor
Having successfully led honour choirs in several Canadian provinces and US states, I love the intensity of bringing auditioned singers together for a peak experience with challenging, successful repertoire. In choosing music that’s right for your treble, mixed, or TTBB ensemble, I consider your past repertoire lists, age, size, and balance of the group. I’m passionate about introducing people to the music of living composers and have strong relationships with many fine Canadian composers whose works can bring a fresh vibrancy and relevance to your program.
Choral Clinician
Whether for a single rehearsal, retreat, or community choral event, I would be delighted to spend time with your choir or community exploring the essential skills that enhance singers’ experience and performance quality. Singers find me to be a sympathetic and encouraging leader, helping them not only to sing well but to listen well, and to think about how the audience will ultimately experience their performance. If I am working with an extant choir, we can do much of this work through the repertoire currently in your singers’ folders.
Mentoring Conductors
I can attend your rehearsals, taking notes from the sidelines and meeting with you afterward to discuss any observations I have around physical conducting, repertoire technique, time management, etc. If we live in different places, this can be done with videos of your rehearsals and video conferencing one on one. I also have decades of experience programming concerts, auditioning choristers, commissioning new works, working with boards and production personnel, etc.
Adjudicator
I have extensive experience as a discerning and encouraging adjudicator for choirs of all ages. Organizers know me to be a good communicator in the pre-event planning stages.
Presenter
For events such as conferences and interest group meetings, I am a confident public speaker on topics of choral singing and its personal and community benefits. I have been a featured guest on many CBC Radio broadcasts.