Michael’s Choir School has produced some of Canada’s most prominent musicians, from the famous Crew Cuts and Four Lads of the 50’s to present-day artists such as Michael Burgess, Jerzy Cichocki, Matt Dusk, Stewart Goodyear, Kevin Hearn (The Barenaked Ladies), John McDermott, Claude Morrison (The Nylons), Robert Pomakov, and Michael Schade. A countless number of successful graduates have found their calling off the concert stage in the fields of education, science and medicine, law, business, and finance. One of the best aspects of the small size and supportive atmosphere of St. Michael’s Choir School is the community of lifelong friendships that grows out of a shared experience of study, service and personal development. Left to right: John McDermott, Stewart Goodyear, Michael Burgess, Matt Dusk, Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies)
The shared experience of music cannot be underestimated. Michael’s Choir School apart from any other school in Canada. All Choir School graduates are musicians. Most will continue to play, sing, compose, understand and appreciate music throughout their lives. This unique gift of music shared by all students is a gift only a music school can provide. The dream of the founder of the school was to train musicians so that with music they could enhance the parish life of communities throughout Toronto. Today, the effort of so many alumni not only in parishes in Toronto but across Canada and around the world pay tribute to Msgr. Ronan’s dream and preserve his profound and lasting legacy. On every type of stage and in every genre of music you will find Choir School alumni at work. One only has to imagine our lives without music to appreciate what a precious gift the School offers. Alumni gather each year at St. Michael’s Cathedral on the Wednesday evening of Holy Week to perform music written by their founder Msgr. Ronan in a service known as Tenebrae. In addition, and when the extended family and friends of the school require it, alumni will gather and sing at weddings, funerals and other special or solemn occasions. Their music brings solace in times of sorrow and inspiration in times of joy. If you are a former Choir School student, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at 416-393-5518 or send us your information using the registration page.
