Choir Alberta Staff
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Helen Aquino | Program Coordinator
[email protected] Helen Aquino first got involved with Choir Alberta as part of the Alberta Youth Choir from 2017-2021, and through participating in Choralfest throughout high school. She obtained her Bachelor of Science with a Specialization in Computing Science from the University of Alberta, but has been well versed in the choir community both in Edmonton and Calgary throughout her studies. She has sung in ensembles such as the Edmonton Youth Choir, University of Alberta Madrigal Singers, and Pro Coro #connect. She has also served as a Choral Scholar at Christ Church Anglican. Helen is a proud alum of Choir Alberta's programs and is excited to work with the organization in a new capacity. |
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Gina Friedrich, BSc | Administrative Assistant and SongBurst Coordinator
[email protected] Gina Friedrich is a recent graduate from Concordia University of Edmonton with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Music, where she studied composition with Matthew Emery. She fell in love with choir after joining the Concordia Concert Choir in her first year of university and has remained an avid participant for the past six years. She is a Choral Scholar at Holy Trinity Anglican Church and also sings with Ariose Choir. Gina is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of Alberta. |
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Brendan Lord, DMus | Executive Director
[email protected] Recognized for his unique blend of artistic and administrative leadership, Dr. Lord is equally comfortable in the boardroom and on the podium. As offstage leader, he is Executive Director of Choir Alberta and Principal of Prairie Arts Management and Consulting. Previously, he has served as Project Director for Podium Conference and Festival and Advisor for Alberta Music Advocacy Alliance. Artistically, he is Music Director of Edmonton's Greenwood Singers, and has conducted choirs at all levels including the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, Spiritus Chamber Choir, Edmonton Public Schools’ All-City Children’s Choir, and Sangkor Women’s Ensemble. Between 2001 and 2016, Dr. Lord was a Sessional Instructor at the University of Alberta where he taught courses in the areas of conducting, music theory, and musicianship. |
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Tessa Waddell | AYC Choir Manager
[email protected] Tessa has been avidly involved in music her whole life. She attended the University of British Columbia and obtained her Opera Performance Bachelor of Music degree, graduating with honours in 2020. Tessa went on to work as an Early Music Educator, developing a uniquely blended Kodály/Montessori curriculum. She has taught students of all ages, and has always maintained her love of, and involvement in, choral singing. Having performed as a member in ensembles such as the National Youth Choir, the Vancouver Bach Choir, and Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir, she is well versed in both professional and community choirs. Tessa is a passionate arts administrator, and is very excited to be joining the Alberta Youth Choir and Choir Alberta team. |