Marilyn is recognized throughout Western Canada as a teacher, choral director, accompanist and adjudicator. Her students have received numerous scholarships and awards at music festivals at the local, provincial, and national level. They have also consistently been gold medal recipients for examinations through the Toronto Conservatory of Music. Marilyn’s Fireside Singers, founded in 1972, have achieved national recognition, having been awarded first place honours on five occasions at the National Festival competitions. The choir has delighted audience with spectacular Christmas Memories concerts and dynamic Broadway productions.
Marilyn received the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in 2002 and the Saskatchewan Choral Federation Pro Musica Award 2012 for her contributions to the arts in Saskatoon. She is past president of the Saskatoon Registered Teachers Association and for decades has been an active member of the Saskatoon Music Festival Association. This fall, Marilyn was invested with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit as well as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, recognizing a legacy of contribution to the arts in Saskatchewan.
Marilyn received her early musical training from Sister Joan Miller, Douglas Voice, and her mentor Sister Dolores Schneider. She continued her studies with Francis Adaskin, Dr. Lyell Gustin, and Robin Harrison and later had the opportunity to study with Jean Marie Scott and Barbara Collier. She received her ARCT diploma from the Toronto Conservatory of Music for Performance in Voice and Piano. She is indebted to Robert Solem, Dwaine Nelson, David Kaplan, and Robert Klose for their inspiration while she obtained a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and to Sheila Shinkewski and Bonnie Nicholson for their support, inspiration and special friendship.
Marilyn is grateful for the support and love of her husband Ed, who is not only her best friend but her confidant, offering the Fireside Singers his endless energy, brilliant organizational skills and constant creative advice.
