Dr. Elizabeth Grant, BCC Founder and Artistic Director Emerita
Originally from Nova Scotia, Elizabeth holds an Associateship (Piano Performance) Diploma from both the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Maritime Conservatory. She has had a long-standing connection with Brandon University from which she holds a Bachelor of Music (Voice Performance), a Kodaly Music Education Specialist Certificate, and a Master of Music (Music Education). She has adjudicated extensively from Vancouver to Halifax, and is a popular clinician at local, provincial and national events. She conducted the Brandon Choral Society for 25 years, has coordinated the Kodaly Summer Programme and taught a variety of graduate and undergraduate music education courses at Brandon University. She also maintains a large private piano studio, and has been Musical Director of First Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. She is the founding director of the Brandon Conservatory Chorale, which has included an Apprentice Choir, Boys’ Choir, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and Adult Choir (Bel Canto). The Chamber Choir has represented Canada at numerous international events. She led the Mecca Community Choir, and took a 70 voice adult choir to China for the pre-Olympic Cultural Celebrations in 2008. Awards include the YWCA’s Woman of Distinction Award for the Arts, the PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIP by the International Rotary Club, the Manitoba Choral Association Peace Garden Award, the Brandon University Alumni “Excellence In Teaching Award”, the Governor General’s Queen’s Jubilee Commemorative Medal and an Honourary Doctorate of Music from Brandon University in 2009.
Sandra Town, Apprentice Choir Director
Sandra Town has always enjoyed teaching music to children, and she can be found at Waverly Park School as the K-6 music specialist. She has her Master of Music Education from Brandon University as well as Orff Level 3 from the University of Manitoba. Conducting choirs has always been part of Sandra’s career and she has directed three elementary choirs at her school as well as had opportunities to conduct adult choirs from Brandon University (Concert Choir and Chorale). Sandra is excited to be welcomed to the BCC team and to be working with the young voices of the Apprentice Choir.
Janelle Wilts, Concert Choir Director
Janelle Wilts is delighted to be joining the BCC team conducting the Concert Choir. Janelle completed her Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees at Brandon University, specializing in instrumental music education. She has been teaching music in schools for 16 years, including band and choir in Louis Riel School Division, and elementary music and choir in the Brandon School Division. Janelle is a believer in the benefits of life-long music making, and the connections between music and community. Her choral experience includes conducting the St. Augustine Community Voices Choir, and singing in Konektis. Janelle will begin a new role in the fall as music specialist at École Harrison. Outside of the music room, Janelle enjoys board games, hiking, cross-country skiing, and camping with her husband, Trent, and children, Eleanore, Isaac, and Keith.
Marla Fontaine, Chamber Choir Director
Marla Fontaine is a proud graduate of Brandon University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Specialist degree (Choral, Instrumental and General) and a Bachelor of Education, and is about to finish her Master of Performance in Choral Conducting. She completed her Level II Orff from the University of Manitoba. Marla has taught Kindergarten to grade eight music and choir throughout her career, both in Winnipeg and Brandon, and is now the new choral specialist at École secondaire Neelin High School.
Marla loves making music with people of all ages. She is in demand as a guest conductor and has particularly enjoyed working with the Western, Eastern and Central Manitoba Youth Choirs as well as the Provincial Honour Choir (now MB Sings). Marla is passionate about music advocacy and professional development. She is a past president of the Manitoba Music Educators’ Association. She is co-conducts and sings in the adult choir, “Konektis” and is thrilled to be leading the Brandon Conservatory Chorale Chamber Choir.
Deanna Ginn, Bel Canto Director
Deanna Ginn is the founding conductor of Prairie Blend, a TTBB choral ensemble that is now in its 22nd season. Deanna is also proud to conduct Bel Canto, the Brandon Conservatory Chorale program’s adult SATB choir.
Deanna’s prairie roots run deep, having grown up in the southeastern MB village of Dominion City. She holds both a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education (AD) from Brandon University, where she studied with mentors whose influences have had a lifelong impact.
Deanna has worked extensively with choirs throughout the region – most notably the Trinity United Church choirs, those in the CPSings! Choral Music program at Crocus Plains, and the renowned Western Manitoba Youth Choir.
Throughout her career, Deanna has worked as a vocal performer and instructor, choral conductor and clinician, and sessional instructor at Brandon University in Music Education. She is also an Early Years literacy specialist and classroom educator. Deanna currently teaches at Maryland Park School in Brandon. She enjoys a busy life with her husband Kris Desjarlais and their children Gillian, Ben and Faye.