Joanne Collier is recognized for her work in developing young voices both in studio and choral settings. She hold the Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance from the University of Manitoba and Master of Music Degree from the University of British Columbia. As a voice instructor at Medicine Hat College Conservatory of Music and Dance for 19 years she worked with young singers, many who won provincial awards and went on to study music as a career. She is also widely acknowledged as a choral conductor having conducted ensembles of all ages and levels of ability. She is the former conductor of the Medicine Hat College Girls’ Choir, an award-winning ensemble of the International Musical Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales and many times at the Alberta Provincial Music Festival. With this choir she also led successful international tours to England, Scotland, Germany and most recently China in 2007.
 

 

In addition to her regular schedule, she has worked throughout Alberta and B.C. as an adjudicator and clinician, served as the vocal coach for the Alberta Honour Choir, conducted at Singspiration at Concordia University College in Edmonton, AB, MusiCamrose and MusiCamp Alberta. Further study has taken her to the International Sommerakademie at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria.

She is the recipient of the 1998 City of Medicine Hat Civic Recognition Cultural Award, 1999 Medicine Hat College ‘Employee of the Year’ and the “Con Spirito Award” given by the Alberta Choral Federation in recognition of her contribution to choral singing her community. She served for eight years on the board of the Alberta Choral Federation during which time she filled a term as president. Professional memberships and activities include the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Association of Canadian Choral Conductors, Alberta Choral Federation, Chorus America, and the American Choral Directors Association.