High Park Choirs names new manager

LISA RAINFORD

March 9, 2010

Newly minted Bloor Street West and Ossington Avenue area resident Caitlin Smith is reveling in her recently appointed post as manager of the High Park Choirs of Toronto.

"It's the best new job ever," said the multi-talented Smith at a coffee shop in Bloor West Village Thursday mid-afternoon, March 4.

The young composer, conductor, arranger, copyist, teacher, performer and now manager spoke of the twists and turns her musical career has taken her before she was scheduled to be at Runnymede United Church for choir rehearsal.

The New Hamburg, Ontario native came to Toronto to attend the Humber College School of Music where she studied Jazz. Growing up in a musical family, Smith played the piano and clarinet before taking up the saxophone in high school. Her Eastwood Collegiate Institute's emphasis on the arts provided ample opportunity for the budding musician.

"I was lucky enough to play in the jazz band," recalled Smith.

That's what inspired her to initially pick up the saxophone in preparation for post-secondary education. Enrolled at Humber beginning in September of 2001, Smith soon discovered she liked the writing aspect rather than playing.

"That's why my resume is so scattered," she said with a laugh. "I wanted to work in ensembles, I wanted to work with big bands and orchestras."

Smith recently returned from New York City where she spent a year on a study grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. There, she studied composition with the renowned pianist and composer Jim McNeely.

"We would all bring our scores in and Jim would play them on the piano," she said.

She took advantage of the experience and sought out conducting teachers while in New York. While she said she was excited for the opportunity, New York was a challenge.

"I was on a very fixed income," said Smith. "I chose an apartment on the very end of the subway line, two and a half hours outside the city. It was a crummy apartment. It was a really hard year."

As manager of the High Park Choirs, Smith is taking care of all business matters so its director can concentrate on the artistic aspects. Responsibilities include overseeing its finances, attendance, publicity and marketing as well as fundraising.

"All of my functions are supported by talented and dedicated board members," said Smith. "It's been a lot of learning on my feet, but I like to be kept on my toes like that. It's remarkable everything that needs to be done."

The High Park Choirs, founded in 1986 as a girls' choir, is now comprised of more than 120 boys and girls between the age of five and 18. It is divided into five skill-based divisions. Although kids must audition, the choir's goal is inclusiveness, said Smith.

Artistic Director Zimfira Poloz believes everyone can sing, she added.

"We want to make sure kids get the classics, modern and everything in between," said Smith of the choir's repertoire. The younger members rehearse once a week with the senior members rehearsing twice. The choir celebrates its 25th anniversary during its 2011-1012 season.

For further details about the choir, visit www.highparkchoirs.org