Our Team
Sophie Simard | Artistic Director
Sophie is a musician, parent, and elementary educator in the Comox Valley with a passion for teaching children & youth. Sophie has taught private and small group voice lessons for Motif Music Studios, and directed the Comox Valley Children’s Choir from 2012-2020. After a brief hiatus during which time she completed a second bachelor’s degree, she returned to the conducting podium in 2022.
Sophie is an enthusiastic and engaging educator capable of making lasting connections with singers through her infectious love of singing and joyful celebration of song. Sophie builds an inclusive choral program founded on the belief that singing is an innate skill that brings joy and connection between friends when shared.
Sophie says: “over the next several years, I hope to share my ever evolving vision with the choirs and work closely alongside the board of directors to promote the growth of choral opportunities for expanded age groups both auditioned and non-auditioned in the Comox Valley! I wish to infuse a high-quality choral music teaching program with modern selections that inspire students to want to join our choirs to sing the music they love. Additionally, I hope to establish new creative, educational, and social opportunities for singers in our community, such as by inviting collaborations with recording artists and videographers as well as partnerships with other youth choirs in Powell River and perhaps even travel and performance opportunities such as at Kathaumixw. Choral Direction is my not-so-hidden passion… I am a champion of children and celebrate their every success in song - for the love of singing!”
Hannah Slomp | Assistant Artistic Director
Hannah Slomp is a musician and high school humanities teacher in the Comox Valley. Hannah is classically trained by the Royal Conservatory of Music in piano. She is an avid singer and has been a chorister in many choirs including Edmonton’s Knox United Choir, Montreal’s St. George’s United Choir, and Savridi Singers in Calgary. Hannah teaches piano from her home and was the accompanist for the Comox Valley Children’s Choir in the years of 2021-2022. Hannah is excited to share her love of music as the Assistant Artistic Director. Aside from music, Hannah loves World Literature, visual art, and yoga.
Coralea Klassen | Accompanist - Comox
A skilled pianist, teacher, and accompanist, we are thrilled to have Coralea as part of our team. Coralea’s piano students benefit from her kind, calm manner paired with a detailed, linear approach to learning and the ability to nurture musicality from the start. Coralea holds an ARCT in Piano Performance.
Beth Lee | Accompanist - Cumberland
Beth loves making music and working with children. After helping out with the choir as an EA in previous seasons, she's now thrilled to be joining the team as rehearsal accompanist. Beth holds a Grade 8 certification in piano from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Leah Densmore | Choir E.A
Leah has a background as an education assistant, as well as being a mother of 2. She is a lover of music, dancing, and enjoys belting out tunes in the car.
Leah has experience with percussion instruments as well as the djembe and dundun drums.
Leah is very excited to get to work alongside all these musical humans, and maybe learn a new thing or two along the way.