Lions Gate Chorus was thrilled to learn that our beloved director Sandy Marron would receive the prestigious Dr Paul Tamblyn Music Educator Award in the earlier part of this year. The application had been submitted in November and when it was announced that Erin Howden of North Metro Chorus had received it, we figured that Sandy was out of the running. Little did we know that there would be TWO recipients this year! 

Of course, Sandy knew nothing about having been nominated for the award so it was a huge surprise to her when Sean Huston, a member of the Board of Directors of Sing Canada Harmony, showed up at a rehearsal in March to present Sandy with it.

In her letter of thanks to Sing Canada Harmony, Sandy wrote, “When I look at the list of recipients over the years, I am humbled to be part of this group of incredible choral directors. I am most especially thrilled to share this honour with my dear friend and colleague, Erin Howden. 

My chorus, Lions Gate, is my lifeline. I joined Sweet Adelines in 1987 but didn’t really find my “home” until I became the director of Lions Gate Chorus in 1991. 30+ years later and the love for my beautiful lionesses has grown into a bond of sisterhood and friendship that is unmatchable.”

Sing Canada Harmony is a Canadian charity dedicated to empowering all Canadians to become healthy, creative, and responsible members of society by providing access to vocal music education programs and resources. The Dr. Paul Tamblyn Music Educator Scholarship is awarded to a choral director who has made a significant impact on the development, promotion and improvement of choral directing and performance in Canada, with preference given to those involved with a cappella choral groups.

It is an honour to be directed by Sandy and every member, both now and in the past, of Lions Gate Chorus has benefited from her expertise, her teaching skills, her compassion, her commitment to musical excellence and most importantly, her sense of fun and joy!

Congratulations, Sandy! We are so proud of you!