We are thrilled to welcome Jackie Crawford to the role of Collaborative Pianist!
Jackie joins Durham Girls Choir this season in her role as Collaborative Pianist. Jackie earned honours in her Royal Conservatory Level 10 Piano, and holds a bachelor degree in Music Education Studies from the University of Toronto. Jackie brings a wealth of experience to her role, having accompanied choirs in Toronto and throughout Durham Region. Rounding out her extensive experience, Jackie has served as pianist and music director for a wide variety of productions in Scarborough, Newmarket, Peterborough, and Durham Region.
Jackie has also served as the musician for St. Luke’s Church in Oshawa for the past nine years. Jackie lends her talents to Durham Girls’ Choir with the aim of creating a rehearsal and performance space that is peaceful and supportive, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team this season!
Job Posting: Accompanist
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
Position Type: Part-Time
Hours: Mondays, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (October 2023 to May 2024)
Salary: $400 per month
Position start: Immediate
About Us:
- We are a vibrant community children’s choir located in Oshawa, dedicated to providing our members with a platform to nurture their love for music and develop their vocal skills. We are currently seeking a passionate and talented Accompanist to join our team. If you have a high level of piano proficiency, a strong background in music, and the desire to work with an enthusiastic group of children, we encourage you to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Accompany the children’s choir during Monday evening rehearsals from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
- Collaborate closely with our Choir Director to enhance musical performances.
- Be available for two important concerts during the season, which are scheduled for December and May (Saturdays).
Qualifications & Requirements:
- High level of piano proficiency and sight-reading skills.
- Ability to work well with our Choir Director and young choir members, demonstrating good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- Experience accompanying choirs and a familiarity with the demands and dynamics of choir ensembles are assets.
- A degree or certification in music, particularly in piano performance, is considered an asset.
- Successful completion of a police check, including a vulnerable sector check, is mandatory.
- An audition may be requested during the selection process to assess musical proficiency.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume, a cover letter, and any relevant musical performance or accompaniment experience to: info@durhamgirlschoir.org. Please include “Accompanist Application” in the subject line. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We look forward to welcoming our new Accompanist to the team!
Alanna Kurt returns for a third season, now in her new role as Director!
Alanna is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and passionate music educator. With a firm belief that everyone can learn to sing, she strives to foster a lifelong love of music in all her students.
She began her piano studies at age 7, eventually earning her ARCT in Piano Performance through the Royal Conservatory studying under Judianne Schoen. A Diploma class Provincial Finalist in 2014, Alanna has been invited to perform in masterclasses with Malcolm Bilson of Cornell University, as well as James Anagnoson, Dean of the Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School. In her time at Western, she sang soprano with the St. Cecilia Singers and studied vocal methods with Jennifer Moir.
Alanna is a member of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association with over 10 years of experience as both an educator and performer. She currently directs the Elementary music program at Whitby Montessori & Elementary School (leading both the Lower Elementary choral program and the Upper Elementary band program) and maintains a roster of 20 piano students. She has coached dozens of students toward successful RCM examinations, directed several school musicals, and has conducted a diverse array of vocal and instrumental ensembles in concert and festival environments.
Congratulations Alanna, we know your caring nature and musical talents will make for an amazing new season of singing!
