Meet the Musicians Inspiring Our Next Generation of Singers

When children join a choir, they certainly learn to sing. They learn to read music, perform with confidence, and listen more carefully than they ever have before. But the person standing in front of the choir has just as much influence on that journey as the music itself.

A great choral director doesn't simply prepare singers for concerts. They create an environment where children feel safe to take risks, where curiosity is encouraged, and where every rehearsal becomes another step toward confidence and personal growth.

That is exactly what Britney Huynh, Kim Denis and Rose Mellor bring to Lyrico Youth Choirs.

Britney Huynh: Helping Young Singers Discover Their Voice

Britney Huynh knows firsthand how unexpected a musical journey can be. Although she grew up immersed in band, it wasn't until her final year of high school that she discovered choir. That experience changed the direction of her life and eventually led her to become a choral conductor.

She earned a bachelors degrees in Music and Education from the University of Alberta before completing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of British Columbia. Along the way, she worked with University choirs, performed with ensembles including the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Pro Coro Canada, Chronos Vocal Ensemble, and Haven Choir, and was selected as an Apprentice Conductor with the Alberta Youth Choir before representing Alberta in the National Youth Choir of Canada.

While those accomplishments reflect an exceptional musician, what makes Britney such a wonderful fit for Lyrico's Junior Choir is her love of teaching.

As an elementary music teacher with Edmonton Catholic Schools, she spends every day helping children build confidence through music. She understands how young singers learn, how to make rehearsals engaging, and how to challenge children without overwhelming them. Her approach is rooted in the belief that music should be joyful, inclusive, and accessible, while still giving children the strong musical foundation that allows them to grow.

For many young choristers, Junior Choir is where they begin to see themselves as musicians. Britney's enthusiasm and warmth make that first step an exciting one.

Kim Denis: A Lifetime Dedicated to Choral Excellence

If you've spent any time in Alberta's choral community, there's a good chance you've crossed paths with Kim Denis.

Over the course of her career, she has built a reputation as one of the province's most respected conductors, educators, and vocal specialists. Her work spans professional performance, University teaching, youth choirs, community ensembles, musical theatre, vocal coaching, and published choral arranging.

Kim holds undergraduate degrees in both Music and Commerce from Mount Allison University and completed a Masters degree in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance at the University of Alberta. Today she teaches voice and directs choirs at The King's University, operates Purple Door Music Academy, sings professionally with Pro Coro Canada, directs River City Chorus, and continues to mentor singers of every age and ability.

Despite an impressive list of accomplishments, Kim's teaching philosophy remains remarkably grounded.

She believes that every singer deserves excellent vocal instruction, regardless of experience or musical style. Technical skill is important, but it is only part of becoming a musician. Healthy singing, musical understanding, confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to learn all develop together.

That philosophy is reflected in the choirs she leads. Rehearsals are places where singers are encouraged to think deeply about the music they perform, to understand the story behind it, and to support one another as an ensemble.

Rose Mellor: The Music Behind Every Voice

If the conductor is guiding the musical journey, the accompanist is helping make every step possible.

An outstanding accompanist does much more than play the piano. They listen constantly, support every singer, anticipate what the ensemble needs, and create the musical foundation that allows a choir to flourish. It's a role that demands exceptional musicianship, sensitivity, and adaptability, and Rose Mellor brings all three in abundance.

Rose's own musical journey began at Victoria School for the Arts in Edmonton, where she earned the Vera Gottschlich Scholarship before receiving a scholarship to Holland College in Prince Edward Island. She later completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of Alberta while also pursuing studies in Education. Alongside her university training, she completed Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Levels 1 through 10 and advanced studies in harmony and music history.

Her love of collaboration has taken her to concert halls, festivals, churches, and classrooms throughout the Edmonton region, including performances and collaborations at venues such as the Winspear Centre and the Arden Theatre. She teaches piano and voice from her private studio, serves as Music Director at Braeside Presbyterian Church, accompanies numerous choirs and soloists, and has spent years helping musicians of every age discover their confidence.

Rose often describes accompaniment as the heart of her artistry, and that perspective is easy to understand when you watch her work. She isn't simply playing notes on a page. She is listening, encouraging, adapting, and helping singers feel supported from the very first rehearsal to the final applause.

For young choristers, that steady musical partnership makes an enormous difference.

Learning From People Who Never Stop Learning

One of the qualities Britney, Kim and Rose all share is that they continue to be active musicians themselves.

They perform professionally, teach students of all ages, collaborate with other accomplished artists, and remain deeply connected to Alberta's vibrant musical community. Their experience continues to evolve, and that ongoing growth naturally finds its way into every rehearsal.

That means Lyrico singers benefit from ideas, techniques, and musical perspectives that are shaping today's choral world, while still receiving the thoughtful guidance that young musicians need.

More Than Preparing for a Concert

Week after week, singers learn to solve musical problems together. They become more comfortable expressing themselves. They discover that improvement comes through patience and practice rather than instant success. Over time, those experiences begin to shape how they approach challenges outside of music as well.

Britney, Kim and Rose understand that process because they have devoted their careers to it. Every rehearsal is an opportunity to help young people become stronger musicians, but also more confident learners, thoughtful collaborators, and resilient individuals.

That's the kind of leadership we believe every young singer deserves, and we're incredibly proud to have Britney Huynh, Kim Denis and Rose Mellor guiding the next chapter of Lyrico Youth Choirs.