SJASD Children's Concert Choir Director
Leanne Cooper-Carrier
Leanne Cooper-Carrier obtained her Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in Choral Education from Canadian Mennonite University and continued on to receive a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba in 2010. Since that time, she has passionately worked with students as a music educator in a variety of programs with a variety of ages. Leanne was the recipient of the Francis Seaton Choral Composition Competition Award in August 2022.
Her philosophy is simple: no matter your skill or style, everyone deserves the chance to learn to sing and embrace their best selves. An experienced singer herself, Leanne understands the self-doubt that might block a potential singer.
Leanne had the pleasure of singing soprano with the Winnipeg Singers, one of Canada's finest choral ensembles, for seven years. She has had the distinction of working as a guest conductor for both the Interlake and Central Manitoba Choral associations. She has worked as an educator, choral clinician, voice coach, and director. She has the honour of being the Assistant Director for the adult choir Horizon, part of Prairie Voices Inc.
Leanne believes singing requires a level of bravery and vulnerability few other pursuits demand. She empowers singers to fully connect with themselves to achieve their full potential. She works with singers to excel by helping them develop and transform their sound. Leanne tackles her work, no matter where it is, with passion and zeal and strives to help her singers achieve their absolute best.
SJASD Junior Concert Choir Director
Heather Neufeld
Heather Neufeld graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education. Her main instrument of study was the piano and she majored in Choral and minored in Band. As an accompanist, Heather played for the Winnipeg Girls' Choir, the Irish Association and various churches and schools throughout Winnipeg. She has performed with many choral groups, including the University Singers, ECCO, and numerous church choirs and small ensembles. Heather was the Director of the Winnipeg Girls' Choir for ten years, as well as the Acting Choral Clinician throughout the province.
Heather has taught music in various elementary, middle and high schools throughout the St. James-Assiniboia School Division. Her choirs have received Gold standings as well as recommendations to the National Music Festival. In 2023, Heather was the recipient of the Michael J. Proudfoot Award, recognizing a conductor exemplifying a passion for excellence in choral work. She is currently the Director of the Choirs and Musical Theatre program at Westwood Collegiate and also directs the award-winning St. James-Assiniboia Divisional Junior Concert Choir. Aside from teaching, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim, and her four children.
SJASD Senior Concert Choir Director
Avonlea Armstrong-Green
Avonlea Armstrong-Green has been teaching music in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg for 20 years, having taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She currently teaches Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Family Studies at Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, and directs the award-winning St. James-Assiniboia Senior Divisional Choir. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education (A.D) from Brandon University, graduating with the gold medal in Music Education, as well as an Associate degree in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She holds a Post-Baccalaureate in Education from the University of Manitoba and is certified as an Orff specialist. Most recently, she obtained a Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of Manitoba, graduating with the gold medal in her program. In 2023 and 2013, Avonlea was the recipient of the Michael J. Proudfoot Award, recognizing a conductor exemplifying a passion for excellence in choral work. In the summer, she enjoys teaching the choral component of the Orff certification program at the U of M. She is active as an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor throughout the province and enjoys building relationships and sharing her love for choral music with students of all ages. Aside from teaching, Avonlea sings and plays piano in her church band, and loves spending time with her husband, Joel and sons, Crosby and Rylan.
