A New Music Director for St. Stephen's

The choir at St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, 579 Parkdale Ave. has over the years prided itself on the excellence of the music program. Many of us sitting in our pews on Sundays often take for granted the quality of the music and the work that goes into the presentation. The music director is the key to this high quality program. This has been a concern as to how we would maintain the standard of music to which we had become accustomed. We need not have been concerned.

The church and choir are pleased that Heather Rice has come to join the church staff as music director. Born in Nova Scotia, Heather came to Ottawa at a young age where she has received most of her musical training. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Ottawa, Associate Diplomas in piano and organ performance from the Royal Conservatory in Toronto and is an Associate of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. She has also taken several theology courses at St. Paul's University.

Heather was in the choir and assistant organist for several years at Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa. She also has sung with two chamber choirs – the Cathedral Singers and the New Chamber Singers. From 1990 – 1999, Heather was organist and choir director at St Mark's Church, Ottawa and was the music director for the annual Choir Camp for children.

In addition to enhancing the presentations of it's growing choir, Heather plans to start a children's choir for 8 years and older at St. Stephen's. As related by Pamela Gemmell, choir member and chairperson of the worship committee, “There are few better ways of improving your knowledge of music and its presentation than singing in a choir.” People who are interested in choral work, have children interested in singing or would like a place to feel closer to their God are invited to attend services any Sunday at 10:00a.m. and see the choir in action or you can call the church office at 728-0558.

Heather has been a private music teacher since 1975, teaching piano, organ, theory and voice to students of all ages. She can be reached at 563-1409 for information on lessons at very reasonable rates.