HSPAA EXECUTIVE

 
 

Veronica McPhee grew up in a musical family. She was a member of many choirs and began taking singing lessons while in elementary school. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Victoria in 1994.  

Veronica has appeared as a soprano soloist with several orchestras and choirs on Vancouver Island and in the Sea to Sky Corridor. She is also a member of Three-O, an a cappella trio with two of her sisters.

She has been actively involved with Squamish's musical community since moving here in 2000. She has appeared on local stages in musicals and recitals. She has been the Musical Director of Sea to Sky Singers, Squamish's unauditioned community choir, since 2003. Veronica currently teaches music at Squamish Elementary and Valleycliffe Elementary Schools. This is Veronica's second time on the HSPAA Board and is currently the Executive Director of the Howe Sound Music Festival.

 

Samantha grew up on Vancouver's North Shore and moved to Squamish in 2013. She has been singing and performing in a variety of capacities since the age of 6, mostly in choirs and small ensembles. During her school years, she won a number of awards for singing and as a young adult, she always enjoyed collaborating with others and creating rich harmonies.

She and two friends formed the folk trio Good Heavens To Betsy in 2010 and could be found singing around Vancouver (including breaking out in spontaneous song in public places such as bus stops and grocery stores). They even made a few appearances on Center Stage at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada. Samantha currently sings in the Squamish-based blues and R&B band, Bluesberry Jam Showband.

Samantha is passionate about both performing arts and being active in her community. She joined the HSPAA board of directors in the fall of 2017. When not performing, Samantha is a freelance information professional, providing online library services and web services to organizations in the community and beyond.

 

Brian’s background in the performing arts has spanned several decades. He has served as President (1999 to 2004), and more recently as Treasurer (2012 to 2017) for Howe Sound Performing Arts Association. Brian chaired the  ‘Wild at Art - 2010 Olympic Celebrations’ for 3 years prior to 2010.  Over the past 3 decades he has worked on numerous fund raising events, festivals and concerts including local programs like the Canada Day celebrations and the Wind Festival.

He particularly enjoys youth mentorship and, along with Cam Salay, leads a summer rock camp for kids and is also involved in the ‘Amped in the Park - Emerging Artists summer concert series led by the Squamish Arts Council. In 2005 he was named ‘Squamish Chamber of Commerce - Citizen of the Year’ for his volunteer work with the local arts community. “These experiences have been rewarding but more importantly, it has been the teams of amazing volunteers and talented people that I have worked with that made my experiences truly memorable.”

Brian began his music career as a recording and live sound engineer and as a bass player working with up start musicians to Juno Award winning artists. He can still be seen at many local events either performing with the Bluesberry Jam Showband, the SeaT Sky Big Band or providing sound for a variety of concerts or festivals.

 

Julie Murakami has her ARCT diploma, B.Mus. in piano performance and a B.Ed degree in elementary education.

Julie grew up in Burnaby where she participated in music festivals, accompanied the Vivaldi choir, was organist at Christ the King church, and taught music at Lord Kitchener and Queen Elizabeth Elementary in Vancouver.

She moved to Squamish in 1998, teaching piano, musically directing the Moving Chords Junior choir, working as a music teacher at Brackendale elementary and has been active as an accompanist and musician for the Sea to Sky Singers, Squamish United Church, Sea to Sky Orchestra, and HSPAA concerts. Julie has been secretary of HSPAA for two years. Her goal is to promote and support the appreciation of the arts, especially in our young people!

 

Peter has enjoyed playing the piano since age 8 and in the last 20 years has studied voice; singing both solo and in the Sea to Sky Singers. Peter and his wife, Mairi, enjoy live music and theatre and actively support the Stanley Theatre and the Vancouver Opera.

Since moving to Squamish 18 years ago Peter and Mairi have enjoyed performances by local artists and have appreciated the work of the HSPAA promoting both youth musicians and established artists.

As a Board member Peter would like to continue to support the mission of the HSPAA.

 

Louise Robinson is the Creative Director of Step Out! She has worked as a teacher and performer for over 15 years between Australia and Canada. She specializes in providing Improv and Acting experiences to individuals, teams and workplaces to build trust, spontaneity, active listening, confidence and acceptance.

Louise is an avid playmaker and community builder, creating laughter wherever she goes. She also likes to dabble in aerial silks as a performer and instructor.

 

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Thank you to our sponsors!

A non-profit society that fosters the Arts cannot exist without its members, volunteers and sponsors. Here is a list of our current sponsors, to whom we are extremely grateful:

Poolside Spa Sales & Service

Green Olive

Xoco - Westcoast Chocolate

Nesters Market, Squamish
Peter Gomes
Piano Technician

St. John the Divine Anglican Church, Squamish, BC