About us
The Gaudeamus Choirs of Halton Hills is a community choir for children and youth. Achieving excellence through the study of great music, celebrating the land through song, singing and performing with guest musicians, outdoor retreats, and buiding deep friendships.
Participants in the Gaudeamus Choral Programs will learn with their love for music, and will become aware of the role music plays in creating a just and caring world in which to actively participate. While working to increase our level of musicianship, we engage the mind, the ear, and the body through choral singing, small group singing lessons, eclectic repertoire, and musical camaraderie.
The Gaudeamus Choirs hold two main concerts each season, a Winter concert in December or January, and a Spring Concert in April.
Throughout the season, we also participate in regional festivals with other children's choirs, and special fundraising events and guest appearances.
We have five choir levels within our program:
Music Makers ~ ages 5 & 6
Andante Choir ~ ages 7 & 8
Animato Choir ~ ages 9 and up
Spirito Choir ~ ages 14 and up
Boys Choir ~ all boys in our program ages 7 & up.
Our Conductor
Diane Murray-Charrett, M. Mus.Ed, B.Mus.Ed
Diane holds a Master of Music Education from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Music Education from Brandon University, and Orff Certification from the University of Manitoba. Her conducting training includes study with Dr. Rodney Eichenberger, Dr. Doreen Rao, and Dr. Lori-Anne Dolloff, as well as masterclass sessions with Lydia Adams, Diane Loomer and Anton Armstrong. Originally from the prairies, Diane relocated to the Halton region in 2006 after a number of years leading community and school vocal music programs in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She has extensive experience working with award winning choral groups and vocalists of all ages. In 2017, she was a participant in the Halifax Choral Conductors Institute, where she had the pleasure of conducting the Elmer Iseler Singers in masterclass. In 2015, she was Chorus Conducting Intern at the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, Darryl Edwards, Artistic Director.
Diane is the founding conductor of the Gaudeamus Choirs which she founded in 2006. She is also a Music Specialist in the Halton District School Board. With the HDSB, she has frequently conducted the Regional Mass choirs for the annual ‘Showcase’ concert. Diane enjoys supporting the wider choral community through work as a volunteer for Choirs Ontario, and as a frequent workshop presenter in the areas of Vocal Pedagogy and Music Curriculum. Past conducting credits include working with the Oakville Children’s Choir and The Hamilton Children’s Choir.