The Calgary Children’s Choir (which also includes the Calgary Youth Choir, the Calgary Junior Children’s Choir and the Calgary Community Choir) was formed in 1987 by Rosemarie Sherban to provide children between the ages of 8 and 16 years from the city of Calgary and the surrounding area the opportunity to receive quality choral training.
Our program has continued to provide outstanding choral training to young people; involving them in many additional activities such as camps, festivals and local and international tours. For over 3 decades, Business Manager Linda White and Artistic Director Marni Strome have created a community for singers that includes ages 3 to 103. This year marks the end of that dynamic collaboration as they both move on to different adventures, but not to the end of the legacy which was founded by Rosemarie and nurtured and loved by Marni and Linda for so many years. The breadth and depth of those efforts will live on – in the memories created for hundreds of choristers over the years and in the core values of the organization. Marni and Linda will be missed and they definitely leave big shoes to fill!!!
As of September 2021, Kathryn Berko, with long-time roots in Calgary Children’s Choir as a chorister and staff member will take the lead as Artistic Director and incoming business manager and “choir mom” Laura Stuart will take on the administration of the program. And where would a choir be without accompanists? Another long-term member, Susan Woodward, who was our accompanist for nearly 25 years set the standard high and Alena Naumchyk and Esther Woefle, continue to do so with expertise.
The Calgary Children’s Choir has grown over 35 years to be a “family of choirs”, where young and old can experience the benefits of community as we “Sing for the joy of it!” Choristers, parents and the artistic staff have formed close friendships, contributing to a strong sense of community which has always been a characteristic proudly fostered by all participants. We are ready for this next era of the program!!