Dr. Gary Fisher
Artistic Director and Conductor
Dr. Fisher hold a Masters and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in choral conducting. He has conducted numerous choirs with the Halton Board of Education in addition to choirs at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Seneca College, High Park Choirs of Toronto, the Children’s Choir of Burlington, and church positions in the US. As well, he has taught vocal methods and choral conducting at McMaster University.
Dr. Fisher’s articles on Renaissance music and vocal technique have appeared in the Choral Journal of the American Choral Directors Association, and he has served as editor of Anacrusis, the journal of the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors (now Choral Canada).
He specializes in historical choral performance practice and conducting techniques. The Chorale’s Baroque performances often include chamber ensembles featuring stylistic playing to compliment the Chorale’s singing.
It just seems the other day, following a far-from-nerve-wracking audition, that our amazingly talented and experienced Choral Director, Dr. Gary Fisher, welcomed me to the Burlington Civic Chorale. That was back in 2016. The wide range of choral music we cover and the high level of music excellence at each rehearsal have been both challenging and immensely rewarding in the years following. Having such a brilliant accompanist in Jennifer Goodine is an added thrill. Oh … and not to forget the warm-up exercises before each rehearsal! Gary’s not only a choir director, but a believer in healthy movement as well! The exercises benefit us all, in and out of performance.
Jennifer Goodine
Director of Music & Organist
Since 2009, Jennifer Goodine has been the choir’s dauntless pianist, organist, synthesizer magician and substitute orchestra. When she isn’t supporting BCC’s rehearsals, concerts and videos, she serves as Director of Music and Organist at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Burlington, and teaches private lessons in voice, piano and organ.
A passionate musician since her childhood, she began her professional career at the age of 13 at Trinity United Church in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. She joined the Royal Canadian College of Organists at 14, later serving on their executive in three different centres.
She earned her B.Mus. in organ performance and church music from Dalhousie University, and her M. Mus. from the University of Alberta, earning scholarships and awards throughout her academic career. Before moving to Burlington, she served as Music Director and organist at various Anglican, United, Lutheran and Baptist churches in Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia.