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!”
Shelley Crysler | Assistant 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.
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.
Taryn Booth | Accompanist - Cumberland
Taryn works as a library clerk in the Comox Valley School district. Her family moved to Courtenay in March of 2023 and they are loving the Comox Valley!
Taryn has played the piano for her church choir off and on since she was 15 years old (18 years experience) and she has also played for soloists, duets, and small groups. She earned her certificate for Teaching Elementary Piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music and has taught piano for 2 1/2 years.
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.
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.