Meet The Board

Chris received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, and did post-graduate work in Opera Performance. Chris has established a well-deserved international artistic reputation as a performer in Opera and in Concert and was an award winner in the prestigious Heldentenor Competition in New York City. As a member of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble, Chris appeared in numerous productions with them in Toronto and was also featured in 4 Canadian Tours. After leaving the Ensemble, he performed with the Toronto, Winnipeg, Victoria and Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestras, as well as Orchestra London and the Hamilton Philharmonic. He has sung in the company of such singers as Dame Joan Sutherland, Placido Domingo, John Vickers, Ben Hepner, Carol Vaness and Richard Margison, just to name a few. His European engagements include the title role in Pagliacci and Tenor Soloist throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

 In August of 2005, Chris was invited to become the Head of Music in the newly established St. Lawrence College Music Theatre – Performance Program in Brockville.

He enjoys his time at the college very much, as it allows him to guide talented young performers while continuing with his own singing career.

Harold has been involved in the arts since childhood as a singer and performer. Over the years he has helped promote and highlight the arts as a tool for young people to grow their abilities, and build self confidence and leadership skills. He believes in the value of arts as a tool to promote the culture and spirit of a community. He continues to perform and contributes to the arts through volunteering with the YOA, The Arts Hub, the Brockville Operatic Society and the Brockville Theatre Guild. 

Judy made Brockville her home in September 1977 when she accepted the position of music teacher at Brockville Collegiate Institute. Judy remained in this position for 35 years when she retired to investigate new interests in the community.

Judy joined the Brockville Music Festival Committee (is currently the Chair), the Brockville and Area Music and Performing Arts Hall of Fame committee and shares conducting responsibilities of the Brockville Concert Band with Chris Coyea.

Being a huge supporter of the arts, Judy was also thrilled to be a founding member of the Youth Opportunities in the Arts, an organization that would offer enriched arts experiences for students aged 10-35. She is proud of the work the group does and is looking forward to what the future brings.

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Dallis has a passion for the arts. She is an alumni of St. Lawrence College's Musical Theatre Performance program. She teaches voice and beginner piano in Johnstown. She is a teacher of drama and musical theatre at the Ottawa School of Theatre. Dallis started on the YOA board as a student representative and became a board member when she graduated. In 2019 she became the YOA Administrator and Coordinator. Dallis enjoys sharing her passion with others whether by performing or teaching.

Cathy TeKamp was a founding member of the YOA Board in 2014 and has enjoyed seeing the YOA expand its music, theatre and literary offerings to youth.

Cathy was a professor at St Lawrence College for many years before retiring, and during that time has performed in Brockville Operatic Society musicals, and with local choirs. She has also worked on many Brockville Theatre Guild shows and served on its Board.

Cathy enthusiastically takes on any task necessary to provide quality entertainment and opportunities for  everyone to enjoy live theatre : she has been a producer, set decor historian and collector of furniture, set painter, costume person, hairdresser, Green Room food organizer, and calm presence backstage when required.

Andrew is a graduate of the St. Lawrence College Music Theatre Performance program. He loves spending his time getting involved in anything arts-related in his hometown of Brockville, Ontario. He enjoys bringing arts education and opportunities to youth in the area. He is a dedicated member of the Brockville Operatic Society, Brockville Theatre Guild, Brockville Concert Band and Jazz Band, as well as Youth Opportunities in the Arts.

As a retired teacher, Phil has carried his passion for education in the arts into new and creative avenues. He's an amateur artist and musician who finds deep joy in sharing the creative process with young people, Whether it's through painting, music, or cooking, to help build confidence, curiosity, and community.

Alongside his wife Caroline, He's had the pleasure of leading painting workshops and cooking demonstrations as part of PA activity days over the past few years. From brush strokes to baking, He's excited to pass along the wonder of hands-on learning and artistic expression.