Kelsea McLean, Artistic Director

Sought after for her high-energy and passionate emphasis on vocal technique and text, Kelsea McLean is dedicated to her belief in the transformative power of singing in community.

While obtaining her Bachelor of Music from Canadian Mennonite University, she studied with Janet Brenneman who profoundly influenced her practice and decision to continue in the field of music education. Kelsea obtained her Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan, and subsequently completed her Masters of Education with a focus in Music Education at Acadia University under the mentorship of Dale Lonis and Ardith Haley. She also studied conducting privately with Jim Sparks.

She serves as Artistic Director for Sirens and Harmonia Girls’ Choir and is also the conductor of the prestigious Under the Spire Festival Chorus. Additionally, she has had the privilege of providing choral clinics for programs such as Music Monday and the PEI Junior Honour Choir and has adjudicated for the Atlantic Festival of Music in Halifax. Choral by night and concert band by day, she teaches instrumental music at Montague Intermediate School.

Andrea Ellis, Assistant Director/Collaborative Pianist

Andrea Ellis is a music educator, pianist and vocalist based out of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. She is proud to be a member of this small province’s thriving music community.

Andrea is a Registered Music Teacher (RMT) and a member of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Association. A certified piano and theory specialist with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Andrea manages a thriving piano studio of approximately 25 students who receive one-on-one, customized learning. Her students have gone on to win Gold Medals from the Royal Conservatory Certificate Program, as well as prizes at the Queens County Music Festival.

Along with managing her music studio, Andrea serves as Director of Music at Park Royal United Church in Charlottetown, where she works as a choir director, pianist and organist. She has performed regularly as a collaborative pianist alongside Island choirs, and currently accompanies Harmonia Girls’ Choir’s junior and senior ensembles. During the summer months, Andrea is Choir Director for the River Clyde Pageant. Andrea is a founding member of Sirens, PEI’s nationally award-winning women’s choral ensemble, and is singing in her tenth season with the group.

Andrea holds a Bachelor of Music (BMus) in piano, completing her studies with Dr. Frances Gray at the University of Prince Edward Island. She has completed courses toward a Graduate Diploma in Piano Pedagogy Research from the University of Ottawa.

In addition to her university training, she has participated in a number of piano coachings and master classes, including sessions with Angela Cheng and Peter Tiefenbach. As a vocalist, Andrea studied privately with Sung Ha Shin-Bouey and Suzanne Campbell, and is a two-time member of the National Youth Choir of Canada (2010 with Dr. Victoria Meredith, and 2012 with Ivars Taurins).