Our Team

Shelley Crysler | Artistic Director

Shelley was born and raised in the Comox Valley, with music an ever-present focus in her life. She played violin from the age of 4 and participated in local choirs, orchestras, musical productions and fiddle groups. She completed a Bachelor of Music Degree at UBC in 2008 and moved back to the Comox Valley to teach private violin, fiddle and voice lessons as well as work as the assistant director of Cantiamo Chamber Ensemble. Shelley most recently completed her Early Childhood Education Certification and works as a preschool teacher. She lives with her husband and 2 sons in Royston. 

Sophie Simard | Assistant 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.

Coralea Klassen
Pianist - Courtenay & 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.

Adriana Proton
Pianist, Cumberland

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.

Patience Percy-Bell | Choir E.A

Patience is an education assistant, and weaves music and song into every day of learning. She plays guitar, tenor ukelele, violin, and loves to sing as much as possible! She spends much of her free time at music festivals and concerts and she also runs ukelele and arts clubs for children.

Emily Cummings | Manager/Librarian

Having grown up in the Comox Valley Emily may be a familiar face to many. She obtained a Bachelor of Business degree at North Island College and now works for School District 71. She is exceptionally organized and thrives when coordinating and communicating. Her favourite part of her job and volunteer work is meeting and chatting with the students/children and their families. She believes that a smile and a friendly word goes a long way and strives to make positive connections with everyone she meets.