About Us

The Westside Concert Choir was formed in 1994 to provide an affordable, high-quality choral music education program for youngsters whose busy lives could only accommodate one rehearsal a week.

The following directors and accompanists of Westside Concert Choir are all professional musicians and teachers whose goal is to achieve the highest artistic standards with the finest, most challenging treble repertoire available:

 

Elizabeth Di Marino (B. Mus., B. Ed.)

Liz DiMarino has been a choral conductor and school music specialist for over 20 years. Known for her engaging workshops, Liz has worked with a variety of choirs and organizations inspiring both singers and fellow educators within Alberta and British Columbia. In 2013, she was honored as a semi-finalist in the Excellence in Teaching Awards and received a Service of Excellence certificate from the Alberta Government for her significant contributions to school music. Her dedication to music education has also been recently recognized by the Alberta Music Advocacy Alliance, the Calgary Orff Chapter, and the YYCMusic Awards.
Liz’s love for music and commitment to developing community through song is at the heart of her work. She believes in the power of music to unite people and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every voice is heard. When she’s not leading the Westside Senior Concert Choir, Liz teaches general music, junior high band, and choir for the Calgary Board of Education, sharing her passion for music with students and fostering a lifelong love of singing.

 

Caroline Parker (ARCT, B.Ed., M.A.)


Caroline Parker is a former teacher and administrator with the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Girls’ School. She is currently furthering her musical pursuits by studying the harp. Additionally, she enjoys teaching as a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary. Caroline is the accompanist for the Senior Choir (grades 6 and up).

 

Heather Nail (BMus., B.Ed.)


Heather Nail has been an Orff Music Specialist for the Calgary Board of Education for 24 years. She holds Orff level three certification, and has a Master of Education degree, specializing in Elementary Music. Heather co-teaches the Introductory Orff level in Calgary, and in 2010 she was a semi-finalist in the Alberta Excellence in Teaching awards. She is currently the President of Carl Orff Canada, and presents regularly at music conferences in western Canada and beyond.  Heather is a enthusiastic leader in the Alberta music community and she mentors emerging music teachers in Calgary.

 

Jean Czaja (B.A., B.Ed.)


Jean Czaja is the founder of the Westside Concert Choir and the Westside Women’s Choir. She is a respected choral music director and clinician, dedicated to educating children and sharing her love of choral music.

Her choirs are noted for their musicality and their superior tone.  Jean taught in Winnipeg, New Orleans, Toronto, and was a classroom teacher, music specialist, and music consultant with the Calgary Board of Education.