Coastal Sound Children’s Choir aims to inspire each young singer to be their best–as musicians and as engaged, caring citizens–through choral singing.
Under the direction of Diana Clark since 2009, but founded by Donna Otto in 1989, Coastal Sound Children’s Choir consists of creative young people from diverse cultural heritages, ages 10-15 years old.
Children’s Choir is one of seven choirs at Coastal Sound Music Academy. With the motto “Music for your WHOLE life”, Coastal Sound offers choral programs for singers 4 years old to adult.
Joy of singing, connection with others, and developing as choral artists are the core values of the Children’s Choir. The choir works with guest conductors and shares with other choirs and performers whenever possible. Recent highlights include performances and collaborations with Canadian composers Stephen Hatfield, Imant Raminsh and Kris Fulton; DragonDiva Opera Company, TEDxKids BC conference, Grey Cup 2014, Vancouver Chamber Choir and Michael Bublé, singing with him on his 2013 Christmas Holiday TV Special. Children’s Choir loves to connect and tour exchange with other singers, most recently with Guelph Youth Singers (Linda Beaupré), Annapolis Valley Honour Choir (Heather Fraser) and Anima Youth Singers of Chicago (Emily Ellsworth).
Throughout the past 26 years, Children’s Choir has performed at important cultural events–including the 2010 Olympics– throughout Greater Vancouver and Whistler, and has toured extensively.
Listeners can hear Coastal Sound Children’s Choir on CBCmusic.ca streaming radio.
coastalsoundmusic.com
Diana Clark is recognized for her creative work with young singers. She has an eclectic background that includes a Master’s Degree in Music Performance and top program honours in a Master of Music Education from Northwestern University, Illinois. She teaches children through music at an Elementary school in Port Coquitlam, and serves as Artistic Director of Coastal Sound Music Academy where she leads a 9 member artistic team and two of the Coastal Sound choirs. Diana is a member of the BC Choral Conductors Mentorship Project, a member of the Advocacy panel for Choral Canada, and an adjudicator/ clinician specializing in working with children and repertoire for unchanged voices.
Barry Yamanouchi graduated with a B.Mus. from U.B.C. and an M.Mus. from McGill University with a major in Sound Recording. He works as an accompanist for several choirs and numerous solo singers. He also makes recordings in his home studio and is a teacher of piano and theory. In 2014, Barry was the recipient of the Joyce O. Maguire award presented by the BC Choral Federation, for his outstanding and dedicated service to the BC choral community. Barry is also in demand as a teacher of Bridge.