Testimonials
We’ve told you a lot about ourselves—but don’t just take our word for it! Here are some things that others have had to say about Coastal Sound:
“I was so pleased to find you and Kate still so actively involved with the development of Children and their music…wonderful! I would like to pass on some information to yourself and Kate. It was great to see her listed on the website. We lived in Port Coquitlam in the 1980’s. Our son Ryan was attending Mary Hill Elementary where Kate was teaching. We got Ryan involved with the Elementary school choir and he had his first radio performance on CBC with Kate at the age of 5. Kate also influenced Ryan through the Orff music program. Throughout his years at Mary Hill, Ryan always sang with the choir and eventually joined the children’s choir that you developed. We have many wonderful hours of video of him singing with you. I thought you and Kate would be pleased to know that Ryan’s love for music has continued. Not only has he completed an Honors Degree in Political Science, minor in history but has now chosen music and other creative outlets as a career. In Ryan’s biography on the net (Ry Moran is his stage name), he thanks Kate for giving him a sound beginning in music. Who would have thought that my son’s angel like voice would carry him into the future? Ryan has recently been presented to the Governor General of Canada and was given an award for being an Aboriginal Role model of Canada. We are a proud Metis family and much of Ryan’s work and music focuses on creating positive images for all Aboriginal people. He has recently scored a Children’s show to be played on APTN. He has been nominated for entertainer of the year, song writer and the People’s Choice in the upcoming Aboriginal Music awards as well, to be awarded in November. Last year he was nominated for a Juno and although did not win, he was given some well deserved recognition. Well, I hope this does not sound like I am bragging and that was not my intention, but I have always wanted to give you both our heartfelt thanks for helping Ryan develop his gift. Our son has given us and others so many wonderful moments in his life. He is a fine man and all those who helped him along the way have all contributed to his success. Music is one of the true gifts of life.”
— Debra Bresser, Victoria, B.C. (July 2008)
“You cannot even begin to imagine how deeply honored and touched I was to receive the first-ever “Volunteer” service award, you presented to me at the ‘Family of Choirs’ night! The icing on the cake was your decision to name the award after me! I would never have guessed that I could ever receive such an honor. Thank you so very much once again. The years I have spent with Coastal Sound have actually been gifts to me and the privilege of service in such a fine organization has already given me so much. So thank you for all that Coastal Sound has been to me and my children, especially for the joy that comes with sharing beautiful music with the world. I am so glad to have been part of that in some small way.”
— Brenda Horton, long-time volunteer parent who had three children move through CSMA programs from pre-school to high school (1999 – 2008)
“I am a family friend of one of your youth choir singers. I am writing to you to let you know how impressed I was with your choir. From the very first phrase, I know it was going to be a great concert. Your choice of music was so wide and varied and much of it challenging. You have done a terrific job of teaching the singers to blend. They all look like they are truly having a good tome and they clearly love you. The tribute which the MC expressed about you was certainly well deserved. I have been a full time performer since 1980. Sitting last Wednesday night listening to your wonderful music brought back some great memories of when I used to conduct choir in school. Congratulations on doing such a wonderful job of passing along your love of music to your students. It was a pleasure to be at your concert.”
— Perry Dickson, long-time high school music teacher and full time performer (June 2008)
“Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to take part in the CSIC Festival. I enjoyed so many things about the festival, and it is a blessing to be able to learn from such amazing conductors; those being Bob Chilcott and Christian Grasses, both very inspirational to me, and to so many of those around me. I won the entrance fee, and I cannot thank you enough for the chance to learn such amazing and challenging music. Thank you for your continued hard work that you put in to make future festivals as awesome and memory packed for other singers as it was for me. I encourage everyone who has anything to do with organizing and general leadership, to continue the hard work and diligence you put in. Thank you again for the gift of participating in the festival. It has made me even more thankful for such a great opportunity.”
— Ainsley MacCallum-Reid (CSMA Singer 2002-2008)
“I would like to add a note of my appreciation to Ainsley’s letter. I personally witnessed just how hard everyone works when Christine and I were with the choir in Newfoundland in 2001attending Festival 500. We truly admired you and of course still do. Your standards are high, you discipline, your fair, and the young children and youth respect you. I don’t see that happening enough in today’s world. The children and young people that are members of CSMA are very fortunate indeed. They not only learn to appreciate many types of music; they learn decorum and how to conduct themselves in public. It will stay with them all their life. Thank you most sincerely for the help and support that you have given Ainsley at a very difficult time in her life. It really has been a saving grace to her and to me.”
— Heather Reid, grandparent of long-time singer in children’s & youth choirs (July 2007)
“My daughter joined CSMA when she was nine years old. Six years later, she has grown from an animated little girl who majored in lunch hour and recess into an animated young woman with a focus on her future and respect for others. Over those six years, I have given countless volunteer hours to CSMA, but no matter how much time I give, it will never compare with what CSMA has given my little girl: the confidence and poise to go anywhere, meet anyone, do anything—and do it well.”
—Lynne Melcombe, CSMA parent/volunteer (April 2003)
“My happiest time each week (other than time spent with my patient and long-suffering partner) is on Tuesday nights when I have the pleasure of working with the wonderful and very jolly members of the Adult Choir. To be able to work with such dedicated and eager musicians is the joyful culmination of all that I believe to be important about education and the possibilities of music.”
—Michael Grice, Music Director, Adult Choir (April 2003)
“Many of the delegates from the conference are still speaking about how powerful and inspirational the children’s performance was during their 15 minutes of singing.”
—R.G. McGill, School Assistant Superintendent
AASPA Conference (October 2002)
“I have grown up in this organization and I have met some of the most amazing people and gone through some of the most amazing experiences here. I know that the friendship, love, and family I feel in this choir will always be in my heart… In this family of choirs, there are children, youth, and adults from a variety of backgrounds… Music has no boundaries; it is in your blood, your heart, and your spirit. It nurtures your soul and mind with its purity: simple, timeless, and eternal. Music is a gift that no one should be denied. Coastal Sound has given me that gift.”
—Pam Garcia, long-time CSMA student (April 2002)
“The 36 officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) returned to Indonesia. They left in the best of spirits and expressed great satisfaction with their three-week program here at Simon Fraser University. Robin Barrow, Dean of the Faculty of Education, joins me in thanking you for your valuable contribution to the MORA - Educational Policy and Planning Program. We value how much time and effort Coastal Sound Music Academy contributed to this Program.”
—Ian H. Andrew, Ph.D., Director of International Teacher Education Faculty of Education
SFU (November 2001)
“They did a beautiful job … their tuning and blend is remarkable. The young men, in particular, deserve special praise for the tricky staggering they used to underpin the Peach—bravo. I am very impressed with your group and your organization. Bravo to all of you.”
—Jon Washburn, Artistic and Executive Director
Vancouver Chamber Choir (May 2001)
“I was so impressed with the performance of the Coastal Sound Music Academy on April 1, 2000 that I decided to share my experience with my colleagues in the House of Commons during Question Period. I wish you continued success in your role as Music Director of your distinguished music academy.”
—Lou Sekora, MP, official Hansard records
House of Commons, Ottawa April 5, 2000
(Final Farewell Memorial Service to George Seaman former teacher and principal School District 43): “He would have shed his own tears in his own eyes at hearing the Coastal Sound Chamber Choir sing Over the Rainbow and An Irish Blessing.”
—Hannah Diamond 'My View' article
Now Newspaper (February 2000)
“I was very impressed by the confidence the singers demonstrated, the good tuning skills, and the professional manner in which they did their job. Congratulations to all and I look forward to a future opportunity to perform with all of you in some kind of new project.”
—Sal Ferreras, musician, producer, and director
(July 1999)
“They offered an exceptional musical presentation, beautifully executed musicianship, and inspiring stage presence. I have pointed to this fine ensemble as an example of the kind of choral organizations that embody the artistry and character we cherish at the festival. In addition to their considerable musical gifts, they carried themselves in such a way as to garner the admiration and praise of the other participant choirs and conductors. This reflected well on their conductor Donna Otto, and their fine organization, as well as their country. Please accept my recommendation as a small token of my esteem for this fine organization and their superb conductor.”
—Peter Robb, Executive Director
Pacific International Children’s Choir Festival
Eugene, Oregon (October 1998)
“I was so impressed with your choir and the work you do to make them a strong and enjoyable group of young people. Musically they were first class. They sing in tune with a strong sense of phrasing, and with an understanding of the music. It is obvious that you have a strong music-training program and take great personal care in the training of your choirs. Your choir members are great young people. They showed true respect for you and for others and were outstanding representatives of your district, your community, and Canada. You are to be congratulated for your part in the Festival.”
—Dr. Jack Kukuk, Chairman
International Children’s Choir Festival
Phoenix, Arizona (November 1998)
“We want to thank you, your staff, parents, and choristers for hosting the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. We know what a stretch it can be to make plans for a visiting choir, especially in the middle of the summer! We do think this joint venture was indeed special and one we know the Indianapolis Children’s Choir will remember for years to come.”
—Henry Leck, Founder/Artistic Director
Indianapolis Children’s Choir (August 1998)
“The group’s performance was not only inspirational at our evening Children’s Choir Concert, but was named as a highlight at our whole American Orff-Schulwerk Association Conference by many of its 2500 participants.”
—Shelly Nordlund, Chair
Children’s Performances Committee
American Orff-Schulwerk Association
Seattle, Washington (November 1997)
“All who attended had a wonderful evening. The artistic presentation and sound control was superb. In fact a parishioner said the rendering of the 'Hebrew Slaves Chorus' left him emotionally drained. Perhaps you would pass our comments on to Donna Otto and Morna Edmundson and not forgetting your brilliant accompanist, Siiri Rebane.”
—Ray Green, St. Columba’s Church
Chester, England (July 1997)
