Leila Brown, Musical Director
We are thrilled to have Leila Brown as our Musical Director! In her first contest with us, Leila led BSW to earn the Most Improved Chorus Award with a fantastic increase of 48 points over the previous year.
A Sweet Adeline for much of her adult life, Leila's first chorus was the Orangeville Show Chorus, joining in 1995 and sang with them for 23 years. She earned her designation as Approved Director from Sweet Adelines International in 2008 and Certified Director in 2013 as part of their Director Certification Program (DCP) and was OSC Assistant Director for six years.
Leila joined The Heartland Singers (Mississauga) in 2019 as Assistant Director and was soon supporting two years of virtual rehearsals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Happy to get back to singing together, THS won the Region 16 Division A championship in 2022 and 2023.
Leila has competed in several quartets since 1998: Just Jazzin', Majority Rules, C-Cruise who won the Region 16 quartet championship in 2003 and went on to compete in the International competition in Phoenix, AZ, and Running With Scissors who earned a wildcard position in 2013 to compete at International in Honolulu, HI.
An experienced coach, Leila received the Larry Dale Coaching Achievement Award in 2018. She enjoys working with choruses, quartets and providing personal vocal instruction (PVIs) to individual singers.
During the day, Leila is an emergency planner and business continuity specialist. She is also a professional photographer, specializing in landscapes, travel photography and family portraits. Leila lives in Orangeville with her husband Henry and their dog Bones.
A Sweet Adeline for much of her adult life, Leila's first chorus was the Orangeville Show Chorus, joining in 1995 and sang with them for 23 years. She earned her designation as Approved Director from Sweet Adelines International in 2008 and Certified Director in 2013 as part of their Director Certification Program (DCP) and was OSC Assistant Director for six years.
Leila joined The Heartland Singers (Mississauga) in 2019 as Assistant Director and was soon supporting two years of virtual rehearsals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Happy to get back to singing together, THS won the Region 16 Division A championship in 2022 and 2023.
Leila has competed in several quartets since 1998: Just Jazzin', Majority Rules, C-Cruise who won the Region 16 quartet championship in 2003 and went on to compete in the International competition in Phoenix, AZ, and Running With Scissors who earned a wildcard position in 2013 to compete at International in Honolulu, HI.
An experienced coach, Leila received the Larry Dale Coaching Achievement Award in 2018. She enjoys working with choruses, quartets and providing personal vocal instruction (PVIs) to individual singers.
During the day, Leila is an emergency planner and business continuity specialist. She is also a professional photographer, specializing in landscapes, travel photography and family portraits. Leila lives in Orangeville with her husband Henry and their dog Bones.
Heather Johnston, Assistant Director
Music and singing have always been a big part of Heather’s life. She has been a proud member of the Barrie Soundwaves for 26 years and is also the Baritone Section Leader. She has been a member of two quartets - Intuit and Alliance - in which she competed twice in Regional competitions.
Heather was born in Barrie and has lived, loved, worked and played here all her life. She is a retired Primary/Junior School Teacher, having taught students from Kindergarten through Grade 8, including music and choir for many years. She is a true believer in lifelong learning and in helping others to grow in their pursuits.
Heather also enjoys crafting, quilting and crocheting. She is an avid reader and incorporates activities into her daily health regime, such as walking, gardening, relaxing with her family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors.
Heather was born in Barrie and has lived, loved, worked and played here all her life. She is a retired Primary/Junior School Teacher, having taught students from Kindergarten through Grade 8, including music and choir for many years. She is a true believer in lifelong learning and in helping others to grow in their pursuits.
Heather also enjoys crafting, quilting and crocheting. She is an avid reader and incorporates activities into her daily health regime, such as walking, gardening, relaxing with her family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors.
