Coastal Sound Music Academy Artistic Team
Coastal Sound is proud to have an artistic team which includes professional singers, award winning music educators and choral conductors, composer/ arrangers, acclaimed musicians in a variety of styles. At the forefront of our teaching, is a nurturing care for the singers in our vocal ensembles, and a desire to help each singer realize their potential through music. Meet the team in each of our choirs below!
Diana Clark
Artistic Director
Coastal Sound’s founding Artistic Director, Donna Otto, invited Diana to lead this organization in 2009. Diana 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. Diana is recognized for her creative work with young artists and has served as a clinician across Canada. She has adjudicated, led honour ensembles, provided music workshops and reading clinics throughout Metro Vancouver and Canada.
Diana has been a music educator in schools for 32 years and offers a treasure-trove of ideas in her workshop sessions that connect repertoire to curriculum and performance. Such diverse training and interests have contributed to Diana’s approach to music education: to nurture budding musicians so that they grow to be thoughtful, creative artists and engaged, caring and contributing citizens.
In 2015, Diana was the recipient of the national Experiences Canada Ambassador Award for exceptional leadership and dedication to youth through Experiences Canada’s Youth Exchanges programs.
Diana proudly served the Canadian choral community on the Board of Choral Canada and Advocacy Committee from 2014-2024 where she co-coordinated the first-ever National Choral Census (2014-2017), National Roundtables (2020) and the Benefits of Singing Campaign (2022-2023). Diana has been a member of the BC Choral Mentorship Project since its inception in 2010.
When she is not working with choirs, Diana plays Bass Trombone in Inlet Jazz Band, runs with her dog, and enjoys singing in jam sessions with her husband/musician Andrew Clark.
Will de Sousa
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Will de Sousa has been a part of Coastal Sound Music for over a decade in various roles, first starting as a singer, and now serving as the Conductor of both Tides and the Coastal Sound Youth Choir, as well as one of the Artistic Directors of the organization. He completed his Master’s of Choral Conducting at UBC in 2024, and previously taught in the Burnaby School District. Will’s passion for choral music has led him to seek out opportunities to enhance his skills as a musician and leader, and to immerse himself in the thriving choral community in the Lower Mainland. In his work with Coastal Sound he strives to create opportunities for his singers to grow as artists and individuals, and gain a sense of belonging through involvement in a welcoming community. The environment Will and his singers create together is built on empathy, dedication, and authenticity.
Sources Songplay
Jacquie Pin
Director
Jacquie has been a proud singer in various CSMA choirs over the years and is now thrilled to join the artistic team as conductor of Sources. She earned a dual Bachelor of Music and Education degree from the University of British Columbia and is now an elementary music teacher with Surrey Schools. Jacquie is passionate about creating accessible and engaging musical experiences for children. Guided by kindness, inclusivity, and a love of learning, she strives to help every child feel valued and inspired. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her dog and making memories with her husband and toddler.
Coastal Sound Kids
Cassey Razon
Director
A passionate young music educator, Cassey Razon is excited to be returning to the Coastal Sound family. She recently graduated summa cum laude from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Education. Currently, she serves as a Choir Director at Holy Cross Regional High School in Surrey.
Cassey’s love of music and teaching has taken her through many different musical settings, from early childhood music-making classes and private piano and voice lessons to directing vocal jazz ensembles. She is passionate about creating joyful, welcoming spaces where young singers can grow as musicians, build confidence, and discover the joy of making music together. She is thrilled to be part of the Coastal Sound family once again and looks forward to learning and growing alongside its wonderful singers and directors.
Coastal Sound Junior Choir
Grace Lee
Director
Grace is a music educator who is passionate about music and all the joys and wonders it brings. This passion was found when her family moved to Canada from South Korea and she discovered that music was a universal language that could unite people from different backgrounds. Ever since then, Grace has been immersed in the world of music through her involvement in choirs, bands and performing arts groups and has continuously sought out opportunities to develop her musicianship as well as her teaching skills. She has obtained her B. Mus and B.Ed degrees from UBC, as well as her GDE diploma and M.Ed degree from SFU. She has been employed as a teacher in SD43 since 2015, and under her direction, her elementary school choir has been recognized at provincial and national levels. In 2015, the Lieutenant Governor of BC presented the Ranch Park Choir with the Enthusiasm and Spirit Award of the Sing Me a Song BC Program, and in 2018, the choir was named one of the top 10 finalists in the Passion Prize category of the annual CBC Music Challenge. Grace has also been an active member of the CMTA (Coquitlam Music Teachers’ Association) and has displayed leadership by volunteering to be an Elementary Rep, hosting the District Music Jamboree, and organizing and directing the District Honour Choir. She is thrilled to be a part of Coastal Sound Music Academy and is looking forward to creating beautiful music and wonderful memories with the members of the Junior Choir!
Coastal Sound Children's Choir
Diana Clark
Director
Coastal Sound’s founding Artistic Director, Donna Otto, invited Diana to lead this organization in 2009. Diana 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. Diana is recognized for her creative work with young artists. She has adjudicated, served as clinician, led honour ensembles and has provided music workshops and reading clinics throughout Metro Vancouver and Canada.
Diana has been a music educator in schools for 25 years and offers a treasure-trove of ideas in her workshop sessions that connect repertoire to curriculum and performance. Such diverse training and interests have contributed to Diana’s approach to music education: to nurture budding musicians so that they grow to be thoughtful, creative artists and engaged, caring and contributing citizens.
In 2015, Diana was the recipient of the national Experiences Canada Ambassador Award for exceptional leadership and dedication to youth through Experiences Canada’s Youth Exchanges programs. She is proud to serve the Canadian choral community on the Board of Choral Canada, where she coordinated the first-ever national choral census. Results have just been released!
Coastal Sound Teen Choir
Krista Pederson
Conductor
Krista Pederson is a pianist, singer, educator, and arts administrator based in Vancouver. Originally from Saskatchewan, she earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Alberta and a Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Western Ontario studying with John Hess.
Krista has collaborated with singers, instrumentalists, dancers, and students through organizations such as Arts Umbrella and Place des Arts and she can be heard on recordings with the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Vancouver Cantata Singers, and Coastal Sound Music.
She currently serves as the Artistic Director and Solo & Small Ensemble Festival Coordinator for the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival.
Her primary focus in her work is creating opportunities for people to connect through live, shared musical experiences, especially those that foster confidence, physical freedom, community, and joy.
Sylvia Nam
Pianist
Sylvia is a dedicated music educator, piano teacher, and accompanist. She graduated with Dean’s List Honours from University of British Columbia with a Dual Degree in Bachelor of Music and Music Education. Currently, she directs secondary band and choir program in the Surrey School District, where she brings passion and enthusiasm to her teaching. With over a decade of experience, Sylvia has provided private piano instruction to students of all ages—from preschoolers to adults. As an accompanist, she has collaborated with ensembles such as MYVoice Choir, UBC Men’s Choir, and several church choirs throughout the Lower Mainland. Sylvia most recently joined the CSMA community as the interim Junior Choir Director and is thrilled to continue the art of music making with Coastal Sound as a pianist with the choirs!
Coastal Sound Youth Choir
Will de Sousa
Conductor
Will de Sousa has been a part of Coastal Sound Music for over a decade in various roles, first starting as a singer, and now serving as the Conductor of both Tides and the Coastal Sound Youth Choir, as well as one of the Artistic Directors of the organization. He completed his Master’s of Choral Conducting at UBC in 2024, and previously taught in the Burnaby School District. Will’s passion for choral music has led him to seek out opportunities to enhance his skills as a musician and leader, and to immerse himself in the thriving choral community in the Lower Mainland. In his work with Coastal Sound he strives to create opportunities for his singers to grow as artists and individuals, and gain a sense of belonging through involvement in a welcoming community. The environment Will and his singers create together is built on empathy, dedication, and authenticity.
Sylvia Nam
Pianist
Sylvia is a dedicated music educator, piano teacher, and accompanist. She graduated with Dean’s List Honours from University of British Columbia with a Dual Degree in Bachelor of Music and Music Education. Currently, she directs secondary band and choir program in the Surrey School District, where she brings passion and enthusiasm to her teaching. With over a decade of experience, Sylvia has provided private piano instruction to students of all ages—from preschoolers to adults. As an accompanist, she has collaborated with ensembles such as MYVoice Choir, UBC Men’s Choir, and several church choirs throughout the Lower Mainland. Sylvia most recently joined the CSMA community as the interim Junior Choir Director and is thrilled to continue the art of music making with Coastal Sound as a pianist with the choirs!
Tides
Will de Sousa
Conductor
Will de Sousa has been a part of Coastal Sound Music for over a decade in various roles, first starting as a singer, and now serving as the Conductor of both Tides and the Coastal Sound Youth Choir, as well as one of the Artistic Directors of the organization. He completed his Master’s of Choral Conducting at UBC in 2024, and previously taught in the Burnaby School District. Will’s passion for choral music has led him to seek out opportunities to enhance his skills as a musician and leader, and to immerse himself in the thriving choral community in the Lower Mainland. In his work with Coastal Sound he strives to create opportunities for his singers to grow as artists and individuals, and gain a sense of belonging through involvement in a welcoming community. The environment Will and his singers create together is built on empathy, dedication, and authenticity.
Elise Heard
Pianist
Elise Heard has enjoyed over a decade of music making with Coastal Sound and currently has the pleasure and privilege of accompanying both adult choirs – Tides and De Coro. As a UBC graduate in both music (BMus) and education (BEd), Elise has been able to fuse these two passions throughout her career. She currently teaches as a music specialist for the Burnaby School District, teaching music, dance, drama, and musical theatre to all students K – 7 at Aubrey Elementary. Over the years Elise has sung with various choirs, including UBC Chamber Singers, Phoenix Chamber Choir and the Vancouver Cantata Singers. As well as raising two children with her husband, she has also accompanied various singers, instrumentalists and choirs, and has taught piano in her home studio. Accompanying Tides and De Coro is an absolute joy and highlight each week, as these community minded groups are dedicated to making music and laughter a part of their lives.
DeCoro
Angela Adam
Director
Angela is a dedicated music educator and choral conductor with over 20 years of experience working with singers at both the elementary and high school levels, both in BC and in Montreal. Holding a Bachelor of Music from the University of Victoria and a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from McGill University, she delights in pursuing excellence in choral artistry, and shares her deep passion by striving to foster connections and community through ensemble singing.
When she is not teaching or conducting, Angela loves to spend time with her family, travel, work in her garden and sing with Elektra. A long-time member of the Coastal Sound family as a parent, former choir manager and De Coro singer, Angela is thrilled to be offered the opportunity to step into this leadership role.
Elise Heard
Pianist
Elise Heard has enjoyed over a decade of music making with Coastal Sound and currently has the pleasure and privilege of accompanying both adult choirs – Tides and De Coro. As a UBC graduate in both music (BMus) and education (BEd), Elise has been able to fuse these two passions throughout her career. She currently teaches as a music specialist for the Burnaby School District, teaching music, dance, drama, and musical theatre to all students K – 7 at Aubrey Elementary. Over the years Elise has sung with various choirs, including UBC Chamber Singers, Phoenix Chamber Choir and the Vancouver Cantata Singers. As well as raising two children with her husband, she has also accompanied various singers, instrumentalists and choirs, and has taught piano in her home studio. Accompanying Tides and De Coro is an absolute joy and highlight each week, as these community minded groups are dedicated to making music and laughter a part of their lives.