JUDGES

2019 JUDGES

HEATHER DAVEY

Heather has been dancing from the age of four and with Trixie Hardy as well as the Carl Vorpes Ballet School in Toronto. She started teaching at her mother’s studio Gaye Davey School of Dance at the age of 14 and took over the competitive program winning numerous awards and national titles all over Ontario and the U.S. Honing her craft with the likes of Mia Michaels, Joe Tremaine, Brian Foley, Myles Thoroughgood, Tyce DiOrio, Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center, she later found herself to be the first studio in Canada to be invited to Dance Excellence in California where the students along with the competition were introduced to some of the best choreographers in the business. They also enjoyed the time performing in Disney twice.

Until her retirement from dance in June of 2018 Heather was Fellowship member of the British Association Teachers of Dance, Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America. Heather now enjoys getting involved with the Musical Comedy Guild productions.

Best of luck to all the participants and the charities they are supporting tonight. Break a leg !!!!

JEIRUS PATTERSON


Jairus Patterson was born and raised in London, Ontario. After graduating from Fanshawe College, he moved to Timmins, Ontario to be the sports director, anchor and reporter for EastLink TV News. After four years in Timmins, Jairus moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 2012 to work for CTV News. During his time in the Sault, he cofounded a grassroots organization called Refugee705. It’s dedicated to helping newcomers in the community by creating opportunities for cross-cultural relationships. He has also spent time volunteering with the local Canadian Cancer Society. Deep down Jairus knows he was born to be a singer but everyone who hears him sing, tells him not to quit his day job. He’s honoured to be able to watch and judge the fantastic contestants of Soo Sings.
 

PAUL DINGLE


Paul Dingle leads a happy career as a performer, conductor, clinician, festival adjudicator and teacher. As an Adjunct Professor at Algoma University, Paul teaches music history, pop culture, orchestral and choral conducting, piano performance and audio arts technology.  He is also Director of The AlgomaU Choir, Organist & Choirmaster at Central United Church, and Co-Director of The Northern Arts Academy.

Paul has spent a career in Sault Ste. Marie deeply involved in the musical life of the community as a classical and jazz musician, teacher, conductor and performer.  He has collaborated with The Sault Symphony, The Musical Comedy Guild, The Algoma Chamber Players, The Chamber Singers of Algoma, The Algoma Festival Choir, Algoma Fall Festival, The Northland Chorus, and The Steeltown Silver Band.   This July Paul will be joining his wife Agnes McCarthy, Duo Turgeon, and a host of international guest musicians in the first annual Great Lakes Summer Music Institute at Algoma University, a summer camp for gifted young musicians dedicated to preparing them for a professional career in music.

This evening marks the third time Paul has been a judge at Soo Sings For Kids-like the last two times he is delighted to be part of such an important and generous community event!