As some of our directors are away for our Fall 2022 session, we have the chance to meet and learn from these three guest directors: Jacqueline Teh (who some of us had the pleasure to work with at Crow’s Nest in 2020), Shannon Butcher and Sophia Grigoriadis.
Jacqueline Teh:
Jacqueline Teh is a vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and educator based in Toronto and Markham. Having graduated from the University of Toronto’s Master of Jazz Voice Performance program, she is widely recognized for her captivating vocal jazz arrangements and limitless songwriting. Jacqueline’s unique sound combines elements of jazz with R&B inflections and rich choral harmonies. Her songwriting can be found on Sammy Jackson’s Juno award-winning album, “With You”. Her innovative writing style with Moodset, a jazz and R&B collaborative ensemble, has earned her an award through TD Jazz Festival’s Discovery Series (February 2019). Jacqueline’s songwriting has even caught the attention of Grammy award-winning artist Anderson .Paak, who expressed an interest in producing one of her songs. Along with her personal music endeavours, Jacqueline is very active in the choral music scene. She has composed and arranged music for the Cantabile Chamber Singers and has served as the music director for Necessary Angel Theatre Company’s recent production of The Events, a play that involved choirs from across the GTA. Jacqueline has performed at Waveland’s Everbloom Festival, Joy Ruckus Club 3 & 4, TD’s Night It UP, and the Burdock Piano Festival. She is also the executive director of St. James Town Community Arts and Children’s Choir and the director of the University of Toronto’s Small Vocal Jazz Ensemble. With a passion for choral singing, a background in jazz, and a distinctive R&B flair, Jacqueline has won the hearts of all her listeners with her soulful songwriting and her ability to find deeper meaning and connection through music.
Shannon Butcher:
As a performer, Toronto Singer/Songwriter Shannon Butcher has a delightful style all her own – whether covering jazz standards, bringing an intimate tone to 80s rock or giving a funk spin to country classics. A favourite of Jazz.FM91 and CBC, Shannon’s dynamic interpretations of modern hits and original songs have brought her international attention and pushed her to the top of Canadian charts. As a teacher, Shannon is passionate about sharing her love of music and helping her students experience joy while finding their own voice. Shannon has been on the faculty of National Music Camp, SICA, Humber and Mohawk College. After years as a chorister Shannon has brought her experience to numerous choirs across Ontario via workshops and as a conductor. Learn more about Shannon and her music at www.shannonbutcher.com
Sophia Grigoriadis:
Sophia Grigoriadis, Mus.Bac., ARCT, studied music history and ethnomusicology at the University of Toronto. Over the past 30 years, her study of Greek, Middle Eastern, AfroCuban, Brazilian singing and hand percussion has led her to perform with many traditional music and fusion ensembles in Toronto. Along with performance and composition, Sophia is Choir Director of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church choir, and teaches elementary music at Metamorphosis Greek Orthodox school. Through her studio Clapping Land, Ms Grigoriadis has designed unique world music programs for children and their families, incorporating her passion for diverse music with her training. Sophia’s world music CD compilation Sound Adventures — Global Music for Children was awarded the 2005 Silver Award from the US-based Parents’ Choice Foundation. Sophia currently performs with the Juno-nominated quartet Turkwaz, an all-female quartet which focusses on the music of Greece, Turkey, the Middle East and the Balkans. As an active participant in the music community both locally and through touring across the country, she is passionate about promoting Canada’s unique and vibrant world music scene to her audiences, as well as the families that participate in her programs.