At the core of the TMC community, of course, are the 132 choristers engaged in championing choral music in Canada. We talked with a couple of them about what the TMC community means to some of them, how they came to join us, and how they connect with their choir community.
Julia Morson, Soprano 1
What brought you to the TMC?
That’s an easy one, it was Noel Edison, of course! Noel brings such a high degree of professionalism to such a massive ensemble. I was in awe—that a choir THAT big, and with so many “variables” could sound as one.
Noel is like me, committed to the music first and foremost, and is incredibly musical. He has an incredible ear, and isn’t afraid to use it to make his choir better. I also love that Noel will switch around “fighting” voices in the choir for a better overall blend. Sometimes the tuning changes drastically, depending on who is sitting next to each other. Honestly, it pays off in dividends. Noel also values and respects his musicians, and uses what he’s got. I have never felt so supported before, and never had so much solo work in my life thus far, and as a twenty-five year old soprano, that means the world.
When do you feel most a part of the TMC community?
Other than in performance with TMC, I feel most a part of the community while going out with the S1 section for drinks at the pub, or meals before concerts. I am recently married, and my incredibly sweet section head Christine Kerr and all of the sopranos surprised me with a bottle of champagne for our wedding night! YOU LADIES ARE THE BEST. #sopranolove
We’re doing shout-outs in this newsletter! Whom in the TMC community would you like to give a special shout out to, and why?
Well, I think I just gave a pretty good shout out, but I’ll go into more detail, just in case ;). Christine Kerr, my S1 section head is amazing. She helps keeps me informed if I have to miss rehearsal, helps motivate the ENTIRE section to donate to the Conductor’s Challenge, and generally keeps me calm when I’m (usually) rushing around trying to figure out what I’ve forgotten. Not to mention, she is absolutely the sweetest human you will ever meet, and always takes the time to ask how you are doing. Thank YOU Christine, for everything you do for the S1 section you are a ROCKSTAR, and we need and love you so very much!
Who is in your personal fan club?
My personal fan club is made up of my husband, my lab/husky mix, Daisy, my blood family, and of course my choir and St James Cathedral family. I’ve been in choir since age six, and love every minute of it. Most of my best friends I’ve met through choir, and I wouldn’t trade the experiences I’ve had for the world! We have such an amazing community, and I am so fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful and personally impactful ensemble!
PS If you want, you can become a part of my personal fan club too! Follow me at on Facebook (No Facebook account required!)
Xoxoxo
Pete DeRoche, Tenor 2
What brought you to the TMC?
I had very little experience in choral singing prior to joining the TMC although I had a lot of informal musical training. I had taken singing lessons for several years, specifically for the purpose of auditioning for a top-notch choir at some point as my children got older. When it was time, I went to concerts by the main choirs in Toronto. It was the Sacred Music concert at St. Paul’s that clinched it for me, and I auditioned that May. The audition did not go particularly well and Noel told me “You’re a tenor and you can walk; I have to take you”! Lucky for me! I think I’m a better singer and a better chorister now that I’m in my 6th year and I love being a part of such a wonderful choir which has as a mandate to be a custodian of and to perform such great music.
When do you feel most a part of the TMC community?
I feel most a part of the TMC community when we are in the final preparation for performances and when we are performing. This is particularly true during the intense preparation for the Messiah each December and during the performance run. I love the spark that the choir gives off during these times.
We’re doing shout-outs in this newsletter! Whom in the TMC community would you like to give a special shout out to, and why?
My shout out is to the young singers in the choir who will carry the tradition forward and who bring such fun to the choir. I envy the fact that they have the opportunity to spend many years at this. Also, a shout out to the veterans of the choir who inspire and encourage me.
Who is in your personal fan club?
My personal fan club has always been my teachers, currently Robert Loewen at the Royal Conservatory, and before him William Perry and Paul Coates. My mom was a big fan as well and planned her spring and fall trips to Toronto from her home in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia to coincide with our performances. Sadly, she died two years ago and I think about her when I’m singing each performance and remember how much she loved to hear us sing.