GREY BRUCE SINGERS
O U R D I R E C T O R
Krista Bell was born and raised in Durham, ON. She is the proud mother of two sons. She currently resides just outside of Durham on Bell Creek. Krista was born with music in her soul. She started singing and piano lessons at age 8. She worked diligently to achieve the highest levels of achievement with the Royal Conservatory of Music in both Vocal Performance and Piano until the end of high school. She has performed in choirs, solo recital performances and special events her entire life. Krista attended the University of Western Ontario and graduated with her Bachelor’s of Vocal Music in 1998. She then went on to teacher’s college and graduated in 1999. Later, Krista completed her Honours Specialist in Music. During her 24 years of experience in education, she taught instrumental and vocal music and also ran a private music studio. Krista has directed choirs in London, Woodstock and Toronto. Her most cherished work however, was being the director for the Durham Community Choir which drew singers and audience members from far and wide. She also had a children’s choir in addition to the adult group. This group serviced surrounding communities for 12 years. Krista is currently a Principal for the Bluewater District School Board.
Krista is absolutely thrilled to be joining the Grey Bruce Singers as director. Krista was a member of the Grey Bruce Singers for several years before going to University and faithfully attended concerts thereafter. She is excited to work with this group and to share in the joy of making music, friendships and connections with the group and community.
O U R A C C O M P A N I S T
Born in Hiroshima, Japan, Yuki Okumoto Stocovaz started to learn piano at age 4.
She attended the Hiroshima Women’s Cultural College in the piano program.
Upon graduation, Yuki was invited to take a special advanced course for one year where she graduated first in the class.
Yuki moved to Canada in 2004 where she is currently the pianist at Grace United Church in Hanover, provides piano lessons at home and Dawnview School and on occasion performs with several choirs and musicians including as accompanist for the Grey Bruce Singers.
In 2011, during the aftermath of the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami disaster, Yuki organized a fundraising concert bringing together many local musicians.
Yuki currently resides in Hanover with her family.
A B O U T U S
The Grey Bruce Singers is a large community choir with deep roots in the Hanover area for over 70 years. It is our mission to share the joy of music and to develop the appreciation of choral music in both the listening audience and the peformer. Through regular rehearsals, concerts and tours, GBS has established a fine reputation and is widely known for diverse styles, warm sounds and rich texture.
The members of the Grey Bruce Singers are provided quality vocal instruction and an opportunity to learn high standard team participation in 10 polished musical productions per year.
The Grey Bruce Singers rehearse every Wednesday from September to April at the Hanover Civic Theatre with performances every Christmas and Spring. Their repertoire includes a wide selection of secular and sacred music with opportunities for individuals and small groups to showcase their talents. On several occasions, the choir has also participated in other public venues and more intimate settings. Besides many local invitations, GBS has travelled to Canada's capital city of Ottawa many times to perform in such venues as the Millenium Unisong concert, the Rotunda in the Parliament Buildings, the National Arts Centre, the National Art Gallery, several churches and in 2002 they sang on Parliament Hill on the main stage for the televised Canada Day show.
A highlight of the career of GBS was a tour of Scotland and England which enabled the choir to sing in many churches and cathedrals, including the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral during their participation in the Maidstone Festival in All Saints Church. More recently, the choir has participated in festivals in Niagara Falls and also in Vermont where they sang in the Von Trapp Family home. Another highlight was the December 2013 performance at Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center in New York City. GBS was part of a 300+ voice choir accompanied by a full symphony orchestra and humbly received two 5 minute standing ovations during the presentation of Handel's Messiah.
Thanks to the commitment and vision of our leaders, the Grey Bruce Singers maintain an excellent standard of performance.