The Laudate Altos

Tami Copland

After being born and raised on the North Shore, I returned to North Vancouver with my husband, Michael, to raise our two young children. I honed my musical skills on the saxophone and completed my music degree at UBC in 1989. Following ten years of teaching choir at Point Grey Secondary School and band at several elementary schools, I opted for the "quiet" life of diapers, nursery rhymes, toy trains and Lego.

Miriam Davidson

I am an active teacher, singer songwriter and choral singer. Originally from Vancouver Island, I have lived in Vancouver since 1992. After completing my Bachelor of Music (UBC) degree in 1996, I joined the alto section of Laudate Singers. In 2005 I released my CD "Second Take" (www.miriamdavidson.com) which is a hybrid of jazz, pop and classical music genres. I play keyboards in an as-yet-untitled original music project and in a Ween tribute band with my husband and guitarist Elijah Bak. During the Christmas season, I manage and sing in an a cappella caroling group called Caminando. When I'm not performing, I am teaching voice, beginner piano, choir and music and movement. I also spend lots of time being a mama to our beautiful little boy Daniel who turns a year old this October.

Elspeth Finlay

Elspeth first sang with Laudate singers during the 2000/2001 season, whilst studying voice at Capilano University. After attaining a Bachelor of Music Degree from UBC in 2004 and a Bachelor of Education Degree from UBC in 2005, she returned to Laudate Singers during the 2006/2007 season.

She feels fortunate to be a part of this group and its inspiring atmosphere. Elspeth is also an Elementary Music Teacher in North Vancouver and is hoping to start graduate studies in the near future, furthering her studies in the Fine Arts Education area.

When not singing, teaching, writing children's books or taking graduate courses, Elspeth loves reading , sipping lattes by the fire with her friends, and waiting for the latest offering from "Masterpiece Theatre."

Mavis Friesen

I have always enjoyed making music – through playing the piano, flute, and singing. Since moving to Vancouver from the prairies a number of years ago, I have had the fortune to continue to be involved in a variety of vocal endeavours, including various church ensembles, jazz groups, musical theatre, and now I am delighted to be a part of the Laudate Singers. My life is also filled with other enjoyable activities - including an interesting and rewarding day-job in health care management, travelling, and various hobbies – currently including the ever-mystifying game of golf!

Maureen Nicholson

Having grown up on the North Shore, and just recently moved back here, I feel very much in my element! Music has been a central part of my life since I was very young, thanks to my parents. Singing is a longtime passion that has led me on many musical adventures over the years, including being a member of an a capella jazz trio, the UVic Chamber Singers (with whom I toured in England and South Africa), the University Singers (UBC), and now Laudate Singers. I am looking forward to an exciting year with this group! In my "other life" I teach high school English and Social Studies, love to be outdoors, read and travel whenever possible, and I am always up for a little soccer, as I have spent most of my life playing the game.

Intan Purnomo

Music is my biggest passion and it has always been a part of my life. Since moving to Canada from Indonesia several years ago, I have always been looking for chances to join choirs. Since then I have joined several choirs in Greater Vancouver. Singing fascinating music with amazing people in Laudate is really a wonderful experience. I am very thrilled!

I began my formal training in music at Capilano University where I earned my diploma in the Music Transfer Program, majoring in voice. Presently I am finishing my bachelor degree in Music Therapy at Capilano University. When I am not singing or buried under my piles of homework, you can find me hanging out with my friends or reading good novels. Well, if you still cannot find me, it means I am satisfying my adventurous side and travelling the world.

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