KIYOMI HORI (they/them): Artistic Director/Manager

Kiyomi Hori is a seasoned and versatile conductor and voice coach with a unique expertise in nurturing young voices and guiding individuals through the ever-changing phases of vocal development. With a lifelong commitment to the British Columbia choral community, Kiyomi’s vocal journey began in early childhood and has included enriching collaborations with esteemed ensembles such as Phoenix Chamber Choir, Pacifica Singers, and presently, internationally acclaimed groups like the Vancouver Chamber Choir and musica intima.

Beyond their dedication to Pacific Spirit Children’s Choir, Kiyomi maintains a bustling private voice and piano studio. Their unwavering passion lies in imparting the profound joy and therapeutic power of music to people of all ages and backgrounds. Kiyomi believes in the transformative magic of music, and it’s this belief that fuels their commitment to making the world a more harmonious place, one note at a time.

 

JULIA COPEMAN-HAYNES (she/her): Associate Conductor

Julia  Copeman-Haynes is an aspiring conductor with years of experience in contemporary, musical theatre, classical and choral voice. Having completed the musical requirements of her Bachelor’s of Applied Music at Vancouver Community College where she majored as a singer/songwriter, she is currently a private voice and songwriting instructor, as well as has her own band. Julia has always loved choral music and the experience of singing in a choir, as she grew up singing in British Columbia Girls Choir, which instilled in her a great love of making music in fellowship with others. Julia is thrilled to be stepping into her new role with PSCC where she hopes to foster the joy of singing together as one, and to continue to grow in her abilities as a conductor and leader.

Michael Park (he/they): Pianist

Michael Park is a composer and pianist whose work bridges the gap between real-world and musical experience. His Ted Talk Experiencing Disease Through Music has been described as moving, haunting, and an amazing translation of the disease. His opera, Diagnosis: Diabetes has received awards and high praise for turning an otherwise invisible illness into something the audience gets to experience. Michael is an active pianist, within Vancouver’s dance and new-music communities. He is also a founder and co-director of Art Song Lab.

GERALD VAN WYCK (he/him): Founder / Mentor

Founder and mentor, Gerald Van Wyck, conducted the British Columbia Boys Choir for over 13 years and is a popular children’s choir clinician and adjudicator across Canada. He is Head of Choral Activities at Vancouver Community College, where he teaches choir, conducting, and music history. He is also Music Director at West Vancouver United Church, and founding conductor emeritus of the Pacific Spirit Choir, West Vancouver’s finest community choir where he served for 25 years. Gerald founded the Pacific Spirit Children’s Choir in 2009.  

 

 

 

Web Management: Kiyomi Hori and Sophia Angus