“The 15 years I spent in the Calgary Girls Choir were some of the most amazing years of my life. Being a member of CGC gave me so much. I made friends that will last a lifetime, I traveled all over the world, I learned musical skills, and I found confidence in myself and my abilities. CGC helped to open so many doors for me. Without the Choir or Elaine I might never have dreamed of pursuing a career in music let alone Opera. As a teenager I was often unsure of myself and unsure about the future. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life or what I wanted my life to look like. I thought about becoming a lawyer, a fashion designer, and a hair stylist. Despite taking legal studies and cosmetology in high school none of these potential career paths ever seemed to be my calling. Through it all the one thing that was constant was my love of music and Choir. Choir was one of the most important aspects of my life growing up. I remember several times staying home sick from school in hopes that I would be well enough to go to Choir in the evening. Nothing made me feel happier than being with my friends making music. If I was having a bad day choir rehearsal always made me feel better. Every week I knew I had a place to go and be with other girls who shared my interests. Without CGC I know that my life would not be what it is today. I would never have gotten a Bachelor’s of Music and would never have dreamed it would be possible to get a Master’s degree. As an opera singer I’ve been able to travel and perform all over the world from Beijing to Prague to Campbellford Ontario and everywhere in between. I cannot imagine my life in any other way and I know that I owe so much of what I have accomplished to CGC.”