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34 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 18, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Oakville Children's Choir has two new leaders Oakville's Children's Choir received some fresh blood last week selecting two new leaders to carry it into the future. Sarah Morrison was chosen by the Board of Directors to succeed OCC founder Glenda Crawford as Music Director, while Janet Stachow has been named Associate Music Director. MATINEE SHOW ADDED BY POPULAR DEMAND! The road to this moment has been a long one beginning last fall with the resignation of Crawford at which point the board created a search committee to advise them on finding a suitable replacement. This committee, made up of prominent musicians, parents and a former chorister, screened the hopefuls even- Two Shows 6PM 2 PM 30 & TUESDAY JUNE 19 HAMILTON PLACE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE COPPS COLISEUM BOX OFFICE, ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS OR ORDER BY PHONE 905-527-7666. ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.TICKETMASTER.CA OR WWW.HOB.CA www.hi-5us.com tually settling on Morrison, determining her to have the best passion and experience to lead the choir. "I am excited to be chosen to lead such a well-regarded organization. It is a privilege to build on the work of Glenda Crawford in helping the choir achieve excellence," said Morrison. "I look forward to working together with the young singers, parents and staff to help shape the direction of the chorus. Together we can honour the past by working hard toward the future." Morrison's extensive musical experience includes an Honours Bachelor Degree in Music Education at the University of Western Ontario, a Bachelor Degree in Education at the University of Toronto and a Music Specialist designation at the University of Western Ontario. Morrison is also in the process of completing her Masters of Music Education at the University of Toronto. Morrison has masterfully put all this education into practice working as the Vocal and Choral Director at Appleby College in Oakville. She has also preformed as a First Soprano with the Canadian Chamber Choir and has been a Sarah Morrison, Music Director, Oakville Children's Chor vocal coach, assistant conductor and conductor with the VIVA! Youth Singers of Toronto. In addition to this Morrison has served as Choir Coordinator for the 2008 Toronto Olympic Bid Arts & Culture program. Her appointment to the OCC will become effective as of August 1. Janet Stachow's resume is equally impressive with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Toronto under her belt. Currently a music teacher in the Peel Board of Education, Stachow is a well-regarded Janet Stachow, Associate Music Director, Oakville Children's Chor singer, composer and conductor who is also the holder of an Artist-Teacher diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Stachow has been involved with the OCC since its founding in 1994 working as an accompanist and as an Assistant Conductor, leading the Intermediate Choir. In her new role of Associate Music Director, Stachow will continue to conduct the Intermediate Choir as well as the senior and Chamber choirs, in some musical numbers. Stachow will also contribute to the artistic directions of the Choir. Crawford's farewell concert May 26 Continued from page 33 up. Some of the kids, besides their parents, have had me longer than they've had their teachers in school." And while she's leaving the OCC, Crawford hopes to continue working with children ­ it's clearly a passion. "The thing about choir and children is it's so multifaceted," she said, adding the OCC tackles music from various cultures. "To bring those different styles of music to kids, it's just a great experience. There's just so much music out there for the voice." Crawford says whatever her next endeavour is, she'll carry her experience with the OCC with her. "I have learned so much about music, about people, about running a business, so it's been worth it," she said. "I'm looking forward to carrying all that expertise into the next thing that I do." Crawford's last hurrah in town as OCC musical director is the choir's May 26 concert ­ Fiesta, featuring Latin American rhythms and folksongs, and with guest artist, guitarist Johannes Linstead. The concert starts at 7 p.m. at Clearview Christian Reformed Church, 2300 Sheridan Garden Dr. For tickets, which cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and children, call 905-337-7104 or email info@oakvillechildrenschoir.org. Spirit of Youth Poetry reading May 25 The Canadian Federation of Poets has announced the winners of the third annual Spirit of Youth Poetry Contest, recently held throughout Halton for all secondary school students. In the junior division, first place goes to Alanah Morin of St. Thomas Aquinas, second goes to Chelsea Gray of St. Thomas Aquinas and Sarah Eldershaw of Burlington Central picked up third prize. In the senior division, Assumption's Jeff Spinelli won first prize, Sara Williams of Robert Bateman was second and Alyssa Newell of Christ the King won third. On May 25, the community is invited to hear a reading by the young writers at Assumption High School during the CFP Awards and Presentation Night. Winners will also receive their prizes that night. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free. An evening of music and inspiration with John Tesh Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. Hamilton Place Tickets available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster.ca or call 905 527 7666