Deb Smith, one of our strongest sopranos, also happened to be a public school music teacher and director before she came to Salt Spring. When Don Conley left, Deb Smith stepped up and offered to direct the choir while Don’s permanent successor was selected. The board took up her offer with many thanks, and the choir benefited as a whole as she took us through the Fall and Winter session of 2025. Her December concert was called “A Canadian Christmas”, and was indeed 96.8% Canadian, with John Rutter, who really should be an honourary Canadian, making up the last 4.2%. In any case, Deb proved to be an excellent director, mixing high expectations with fun and encouragement. And not one of us forgot rule 1: “Watch the conductor!”
