I have had the honour and privilege of working with countless artists throughout my career as an educator, singer and choral conductor. Helping my students find the artist within and their authentic voice has been my greatest joy and life’s passion. When my students find the artist within – they discover a voice, a confidence and a resilience they never knew they had.

Looking back, having a community of like-minded, arts-loving friends as a teenager was instrumental to my social, artistic and personal development. Having a place where I belonged, where I fit in, where I thrived was the greatest gift of my childhood. Choir was that community for me. I developed deep friendships with teens who shared my interests and genuinely cared about me. The music we shared, the stories we told, connected us in a unique way. I learned early on that my voice mattered, my musicianship mattered, I mattered. We were a team connected by music and artistry. My confidence grew as we collaborated and performed for audiences near and far. We encouraged and inspired one another, we traveled together, we learned and grew together, we became confident, expressive and empowered young people. Choral music transformed us and gave us a voice.

This (and many other) positive performance experiences throughout my life have undoubtedly shaped who I am as a person and an artist. I want these same transformative experiences for you. The RISE choral experience intentionally creates positive choral experiences that are transformational and build key life skills – confidence, self-awareness, self-expression and resilience – that will transport into all aspects of life. There is something very special, powerful and even magical about the performing arts!

xoAndrea

Andrea Donais

BMUS, MMUS, RCM certified teacher