Growing up, I always had a love for moving and singing! My family has told me of various stories where a Shania Twain song would come on the radio or TV, and I would instantly stand on top of the coffee table, mouth all of the words, and put on a show for everyone to watch. From there, my passion for music and dance emerged!
I began taking ballet lessons at the Listowel School of Dance at the age of four. I then went on to take jazz and contemporary classes. We put on various spring showcases and Christmas recitals. I also began taking piano lessons through the Music for Little Mozarts Program at the age of four from Pauline Horst in Millbank, Ontario.
Upon entering high school, I became more and more interested in singing. I joined the Listowel District Secondary School Choral Ensemble, Chamber Choir, and Treble Voice Choir. During my time in high school, our choirs traveled to England, Scotland, and Spain! I was fortunate enough to both sing in and accompany for these choirs. I was also the lead piano player for our production of Footloose in 2012. It was in the spring of 2015 that I auditioned for the Bachelor of Music program in voice at Western University.
Voice Studio
I was a student in the voice studio of Jackie Short during my time at Western University. Working with Jackie provided me with an equally yet challenging experience, and it stretched my vocal abilities and artistry to new heights!
Graduating Recital 2020
On March 6th, 2020, I was fortunate enough to have performed my Graduating Recital among many of my family and friends. Please enjoy some photos from the evening. Thank you to Hailey Witt Photos for capturing this wonderful moment!
Dance at Western
In 2016, I decided to seek out various dance opportunities. Soon, I became part of the Dance Force Team and Dance Minor program. From 2016-2017, I was a member of the Performance 1 group with Dance Force. Additionally, I have taken courses in Modern Dance Techniques, Dance Improvisation, Movement Making, and Beginner Composition under the teaching of the wonderful Barb Sarma, who has become a huge inspiration for me as a dancer, artist, and young woman!
For the Dance Minor Program's sixth annual Studies in Motion Dance Showcase (March 1st, 2020), I took on the role of Stage Manager. This was the first time I had ever taken on this kind of responsibility, and I was so happy and grateful to have been given the opportunity to exercise my leadership in new ways!
Performing
For the past couple years, I have been given the opportunity to perform with the Millbank Heritage and Arts Society. This experience has allowed me to share my music with the community that raised me.
The photo on the left features me performing "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen at the Talent Show in February 2019. On the right is a photo of me performing a variety of repertoire at the Senior's Luncheon in March 2019.
In 2017, I performed in my first ever musical theater production of A Chorus Line! I was cast as Larry (renamed to "Mary") and was a part of the dance ensemble as well. It was such an energetic production, and I am thankful to have been given this opportunity!
Scholarships & Awards
I am incredibly grateful for the various scholarships I have been awarded over the years in recognition of my love of learning. For a complete list of awards and scholarships, please see my CV under the "About Me" tab.
One scholarship that has been very near and dear to me is the Deral Johnson Legacy Award in Choral Music Conducting. I was awarded this scholarship in November 2018 in recognition of my potential as a choral music conductor. I was honoured to have received this award as my high school music teacher, Ruth Claessens (nee Hardy), was a student of Professor Johnson's during her time at UWO. It truly means the world to know that I am part of the tradition of choral music excellence that has been passed down from generation to generation.
The first photo in the top row is taken from the Alumni Choir's performance in October 2018 in honour of Professor Deral Johnson. The second photo in the top row is taken with Marie Johnson, Deral's wife, who I was fortunate to have met. The remaining four photos are taken from the Don Wright Faculty of Music Awards Ceremony in November 2018. In the first photo in the bottom row, you will see a picture of myself with my mom, dad, and grandma. The last two photos were taken with one of the scholarship donors.
More information on this award can be found on the Don Wright Faculty of Music website: