- Tenebrae -

the tradition continues !!

SMCS Alumni Newsletter

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS of SONG

66 Bond Street, Toronto, M5B 1X2 416-393-5518

OCTOBER, 2012 Volume 1, No. 3

Included in this newsletter:

Message from the New Director

The Principal’s Message

Homecoming Week

Gala News

SMCS Alumni Helping Others

Congratulations

Upcoming Concerts

In Memoriam SAVE the DATE

for future publications

If you have any information that you would like to have included in future newsletters to share with classmates and other alumni please send it by email to barbara.grise@tcdsb.org or call 416-393-5518 ext. 6043

A WARM WELCOME to our NEW DIRECTOR

Founder’s Day, October 15, 2012 we welcomed

Mr. Stephen Handrigan as our newly appointed director.

Message from Our New Director

I am truly humbled and excited to be appointed as the Director of St. Michael’s Choir School. Since my arrival on Founder’s

Day, October 15th, I have been overwhelmed with the warm welcome I have received. I would like to thank Fr. Michael

Busch and Barry White for their guidance and mentorship, and I can assure you that we are working as a team to ensure the

continued success of the school.

On October 15th

we honoured our founder, Msgr. Ronan, with a Mass in the Cathedral, where I experienced hearing all of the

boys sing together for the first time. It was a musical and spiritual experience I will always remember.

Msgr. Ronan had a dream to create a choir school that would educate the young men who provide the music for St. Michael’s

Cathedral. The model of service to the Cathedral and to the Catholic community is at the heart of the school’s mission. How

proud he would be to know that 75 years later, his dream is still alive and thriving!

I have had the pleasure of meeting many alumni over the past several weeks and I am truly impressed by your love for the

school and your willingness to share your musical talents.

On Founder’s Day, Mr. Walter Ross (SMCS ’42) and Mr. Donald Wainman (SMCS ’44), who were among the first students

admitted to the school in 1937, addressed our boys and shared their memories of their time at the Choir School. It was a

pleasure to hear them speak of Msgr. Ronan’s influence on shaping their lives.

On October 19th

, The Founder’s Day Concert, From Courts on High, featured the original music of Msgr. Ronan, Msgr.

Armstrong (SMCS ’44) and Tomáš Dušatko (SMCS ’71), as well as arrangements by Jerzy Cichocki (SMCS ’77) and Kola

Owolabi (SMCS ’96). This concert was a tribute to the rich musical legacy of St. Michael’s Choir School.

The Alumni Mass and Dinner on October 20th

was a tremendous success. Under the direction of Harry Hodson, the Alumni

Choir and our Grade 12 students sang beautifully at the Mass. Following the Mass, the alumni gathered in the Auditorium for

dinner. The atmosphere was festive and it was great to watch old friends re-connect. The alumni performances interwoven

throughout the evening were truly impressive. Brian Gow’s (SMCS ’78) touching tribute to John Arab was a highlight of the

evening. I would like to thank Barb Grisé for organizing this event and I know that this is just the first of many exciting alumni

events to come.

Over the coming months I look forward to meeting many more alumni. If you happen to come by the school, please feel free

to drop by my office to say hello!

Principal’s Message

October was a special month in this, our 75th

anniversary year. On October 15th

, we welcomed our new Director, Mr

Handrigan, on the day we were celebrating a mass of memory for the 50th

anniversary of Monsignor Ronan’s passing.

Alumni Donald Wainman and Walter Ross, who were part of the school when it began in 1937, spoke to the boys about their

experiences as choristers 75 years ago.

It was wonderful to hear the sound of the entire student body singing together at the conclusion of the Founder’s

Day Concert. For those families new to our school, it powerfully conveyed a sense of community achieved through music.

With students from Grade 3 to Grade 12, the school’s mission, ‘to educate boys to become men through the service of sacred

music’, was evident for all to see and hear.

Our initial Alumni Homecoming event was a great success – the start of an annual tradition. It was heartening to see

a number of our Grade 12 students join the alumni choir at mass in the Cathedral and it was wonderful to connect with past

students and staff at the reception that followed the mass.

We head into November looking forward to progress reports, parent interviews, Remembrance Day, as well as all of

the various extra-curricular activities as we gear up for Massey Hall with rehearsals and ticket sales. At the end of November,

we wrap up the Church year with the Feast of Christ the King.

Barry White

Principal

FALL 2012 OUR FOUNDER

sketch by Vincent Hui SMCS’96

Monsignor John Edward Ronan 1894-1962

October 15, 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of Monsignor John Edward Ronan’s death.

Sunday, October 14th

This significant anniversary was commemorated with a very special Mass on Sunday, October 14th at 12:00 noon in St. James Church in Colgan, Ontario, Monsignor Ronan’s birthplace, sung by the alumni choir. Many of Monsignor Ronan’s relatives, cousins, nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, were present to celebrate this occasion. Thank you to all who travelled to Colgan to sing and especially Harry Hodson ’60, Paul Townshend ’75 the conductor, Dr. Daniel Lee ’90, the organist, James Walke ’80, the psalmist and the cantor, Michael Surman ’80 . A very special THANK YOU to Michael Surman ’80 for organizing the Mass, complete with programmes and providing the wonderful luncheon for Monsignor’s relatives, the choir and their families.

Monday, October 15th

On October 15, 2012 all of the students here at the Choir School participated in a Founder’s Day Mass in the Cathedral at 2:30 PM.

Before the Mass, Walter Ross and Donald Wainman, students on opening day in 1937, spoke to the students of their

experiences here in the schools beginnings.

Harry Hodson ’60, former Principal and Director, Dermot Muldoon ’70 and Paul Wainman ’78 were also in attendance.

Walter Ross speaks to the boys about the early years in Monsignor Ronan’s choir

Donald Wainman tells of his experiences of the school’s beginnings in 1937

Friday October 19th

Founder’s Day Concert

Our new Director, Stephen Handrigan welcomes the congregation before the concert

Dr. Jerzy Cichocki ’77 conducts the Senior Choir

Dr. Cichocki conducts the Massed Choir - the entire school - in the singing of Monsignor Ronan’s “From courts on high”

Saturday, October 20th

Many came to celebrate in song with their fellow alumni and the Grade 12’s by singing at the

5:00 pm Mass in the Cathedral conducted by Harry Hodson ’60

classmates and former teachers enjoyed drinks and dinner and great entertainment afterward.

♪ A huge note of thanks ♪

Jim Codrington ’82 with staff member Aurelio Rodrigues, did a fantastic job of stage set up beforehand and organizing all of the performers - singers, pianists and jammers.

A special thanks to Aurelio and the Gatchalian’s for their photos of the evening.

Thanks also to Graham Anderson ’05 from Toshiba Canada for supplying the huge TV screens for the videos from the past and present.

A round of applause for the entertainers - Joe Marcynuk ’early 50’s, John Syme ’51, Gordon Mansell ’75, Doug Tranquada ’74, Brian Gow ’78, Stephen Gardner ’80, Mark Nelligan ’80,

Jim Codrington and Chris Rolko ’82.

The band of Colin Finlay ’82 and his daughters with the drummer Nick Manalo ’13 pipe in the staff and former staff

Barry White welcomes everyone to dinner

Stephen Handrigan delivers a blessing before dinner

Brian Gow ’78 and his wife with Blair Currie ’77 Stephen Gardner ’80

Two of the first students who began here in 1937, Donald Wainman and Walter Ross at dinner with their family

Gary Donovan’73, Doug Tranquada ’74 and Gord Coles ’73 l. to r. Gary Fitzgibbon, Barry White (principal), Steve Handrigan

(director), Harry Hodson ,’60, Jerzy Cichocki ’77 and Louise Kane

Luc Rousselle and Gord Coles Joe Marcynuk at the piano

Alumni who have sons presently in the Choir School – known as the “alumni DADS”

Stephen Gardner ’80, Jim Codrington ’82, Steve Bordignon ’90, David Gatchalian ’87, Daniel Lee ’90, and Pat Ko ’86

Jim, Chris and Mark Nelligan ’80 end a great night ! !

and finally

The 50/50 draw of $250.00 was won by Lowell Selorio ’98

GALA NEWS

- Gala Concert at Roy Thomson Hall -

January 21, 2013

Get ready for a memorable evening of great entertainment from some of the alumni and friends.

Paul Harrs ’79 president of the Alumni speaks about the Gala at the ‘Homecoming’

NEW CLOTHING AND MEMORABILIA to celebrate the 75th anniversary

Another year has started for us at

St. Michael’s Choir School

and what better way to begin than to introduce our own exclusive school apparel and accessories. Our

new online apparel store is user friendly and offers a convenient way for parents, staff and alumni to

purchase merchandise that they can wear and be proud of. This year is also very special as the school

marks its 75th Anniversary.

Join in this celebration and purchase your exclusive

SMCS 75th Anniversary memorabilia.

This is a great opportunity to be proud of a long lasting tradition and a way to show your support in

making that tradition last.

Please check out all the products at:

http://smcs.entripy.com

For further information please contact Giacomo Tarascio '99

at

(giacomo.tarascio@tcdsb.org)

Proceeds from every purchase made go directly to the school.

The VICTORIA SCHOLARS directed by Jerzy Cichocki ’77 release their new CD in time for Christmas

Tenor Michael Schade ’84 and bass-baritone Stephen Hegedus ’98, and many alumni singers, with William O’Meara as accompanist, present this new recording which features the works of

Charles Gounod, Healy Willan, Franz Schubert, Gustav Holst, and Ruth Watson Henderson’s ‘Twleve Days of Christmas’.

Design and layout by Henrik Zbogar ’87

CONGRATULATIONS

Brian Rae ’60, an alumnus of St. Michaels Choir School, has been appointed the new director of ‘The Sound Investment Community Choir’. He has held many positions in over 40 years at the school, including Director of Choral Music. Mr. Rae an organ and theory teacher conductor of the Tenor-Bass and Senior Choir, head of the Instrumental and Theoretical Department produced several choir school recordings.

Edward Moroney ’68 was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (Canada) in July, 2012 and is one of the few recipients to hold both the Golden Jubilee Medal (2002) as well as the Diamond one.

Franco Campo ’93 and his wife Caroline Houng were married in St. Basil’s Church on Saturday, October 27th with Reverend Darren Dias ’93 officiating. The choir boys sang under the direction of Jerzy Cichocki’77, with John Paul Farahat ’07 at the organ. Truly a Choir School event. Marilyn and Joe McMullan ’46 have just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Europe.

Upcoming Concerts

The Canadian Opera Company presents Michael Schade ’84 in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s ‘La clemenza di Tito’

at the Four Seasons Centre, Toronto, in February, 2013

Michael kindly treated the students at the Choir School to the Dress Rehearsal of ‘Die Fledermaus’ .Everyone was thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to meet him and have a photo with him at intermission.

This concert features the world premiere of John Burge’s composition dedicated to William O’Meara Saturday, November 3, 2012 – 8:00 PM

Metropolitan United Church Queen and Church Streets

The concert is sponsored by Gordon Mansell ’75 of Organix

Jordan de Souza ’06, newly appointed conductor of the Ottawa Choral Society will make his debut on November 30th

when they present

The Christmas Oratorio

J. S. Bach

with the Orchestra of the Ottawa Music Company Friday, November 30, 2012 - 7:30 pm

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Sandy Hill, Ontario featuring

Shannon Mercer, soprano Daniel Cabena, counter-tenor

James McLean, tenor Philippe Sly, bass-baritone

Brantford Symphony Orchestra conducted by Philip Sarabura ’77

will present ‘Christmas Favorites, Once More’

featuring the Alumni Choir on Sunday, December 9, 2012 - 7:30 PM at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts in Brantford

There will be three (3) Toronto practices:

Rehearsals are all at the Choir School 7:00 - 9:30 pm: Monday, November 12 Tuesday, November 27 Monday, December 3

Performance Day:

Dress Rehearsal - Sunday December 9, 2:00 - 5:00 pm for more information please contact

Paul Bulla ’77 – bulla@comcor.com Philip Sarabura ’77 – philip@philipsarabura.com

Jim Codrington ’82 – cjcod@rogers.com

Toronto Choral Society conducted by Geoffrey Butler ’84 with William O’Meara, St. Michael’s Cathedral Organist, present

‘The Best of the Season’ Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Eastminster United Church (310 Danforth Ave. – one block west of Chester Station) Join them for a selection of the very best of our winter concerts in celebration of the release of our new CD.

The Mistletones™

from left to right:: Doug Tranquada ’74, Gerry Litster ’76, Dan Fantin ’76, Leonard Tawaststjerna ’75, Paul Townshend ’75, Paul Kenny ’75, Michael Litster ’80 and Pat Power ’73.

The Mistletones, a nine-member a cappella group of alumni of the world renowned St. Michael’s Choir

School in Toronto, was founded in 1980. They have been harmonizing for over three decades. With two

recordings to their credit, “Hello Christmas” followed up by “A cappella Christmas”, produced by Peter Mann

of ‘The Nylons’ fame, they have entertained in many and varied venues.

They have been seen at many private functions including a Mayor’s office, a Premier’s luncheon, and a Prime

Ministers dinner banquet. They have sung at larger venues such as Roy Thomson Hall, Maple Leaf Gardens,

and The Air Canada Centre. In 1992 on opening day for the Toronto Blue Jays first World Series winning year,

The Mistletones were asked to sing the anthems, which were performed in four part harmony. They have even

sung at over thirty thousand feet on a flight to Calgary where they entertained at the famous Palliser Hotel.

Their upcoming Christmas concert performance celebrating their thirty third season will be held Thursday

December 13th, at 8.00 p.m., at the Glenn Gould Studio, in the CBC building located at 250 Front Street West,

Toronto.

For ticket information visit us on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/therealmistletones, or contact our ticket

coordinator Devlin Kenny directly at devlindkenny@gmail.com.

SMCS Alumni Helping Others

Please read the following letter from Dr. Daniel Lee ’90

In the first week of February 2013, I will be returning to Guatemala to perform dental services for the poor and indigenous

population of this Central American nation. I will be traveling with a charitable organization called Health Outreach, a non-

profit, non-denominational charity dedicated to providing health services (mainly oral health) to impoverished people in

remote areas of developing countries. The charity is Toronto based and completely volunteer driven. I encourage all of you to

check out Health Outreach’s website at www.healthoutreach.ca <http://www.cmdc.ms/ . The website is filled with details

about the charity and pictures and testimonials from past missions.

I would like to ask all of you to consider sponsoring our February 2013 trip with a $50 or $75 or $100 (or whatever your heart

wishes) donation. All donations over $25 will receive a CCRA charitable tax receipt (registration #861752889RR0001). All

donations will be used in the direct provision of dental health care and not towards administrative costs. Please forward your

cheque payable to Health Outreach to my office address listed below and be sure to include your full name and mailing

address to receive your receipt.

Donations are also accepted online at www.healthoutreach.ca - if submitting online then be sure to include my name in the

COMMENT section * as "Supporting Dr. Daniel Lee". This coming mission, I will be Project Leader for the second week, in

Quesada.

The charity also accepts any old dental equipment that you may not be using. Any dental equipment donated will receive a

tax receipt for their fair market value. I would be happy to arrange picking up donated supplies and equipment from your

office, should you have any.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly for more information about Health Outreach or volunteering. I can be reached

on my cell at 416-930-9020.

Thank you in advance for your generosity, details and pictures of our trip will be available on the website shortly after our

return.

Sincerely,

Dr. Daniel Lee, BSc, DDS

www.healthoutreach.ca <http://www.healthoutreach.ca/

www.drdanlee.ca <http://www.drdanlee.ca/

Please send your cheque to following address:

Dr. Daniel Lee,

2165 Grosvenor St., Unit 5,

Oakville, Ontario,

L6H 7K9.

From Sean Haggerty ’88 - the composer and singer on the following link

Hi there,

Please check out the song called “Make a Difference”, and it is a call to action.” The song co-written and performed by Sean

Haggerty ’88 is available on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/make-a-difference-single/id561538189 and ALL

proceeds go to United Way. Deloitte, where Sean is an Associate Partner, pulled together a band – the Deloitte League of

Rock – to perform this original song on CBC’s Dragon’s Den (to appear on an episode this season). United Way benefits every

time someone purchases the song on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/make-a-difference-single/id561538189. So, if

you like the song, please buy it and pass these links on to family and friends!!

To watch the making of the song and understand its ties to United Way, you can also watch a YouTube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdildne9d8Y

“In many ways”, says Sean “the choir school experience has greatly influenced the song and its message. The song is about

helping others in need, spoken in the voice of the person who needs help. The help is universal and can represent any one of

us at any given time in our lives. The plea for change isn’t only about financial contribution, but about empathy, compassion,

and our ability to affect change in the world.

As the song was being developed and the opportunities to go on Dragons Den and record the tune became real, Sean

reached out to fellow classmates Kevin Hearn (of Bare Naked Ladies fame) and Andrew Craig (CBC Radio and numerous

music shows and programs) for advice. After his Choir School days, Sean joined as an original member of Victoria Scholars

(started by fellow classmates Michael Colvin and Mark McCallen) for a few years, was a church cantor for over 15 years, and

later joined a rock band with then mayor of Burlington, Rob MacIsaac as front man. Sean hopes that this song and this story

serve to reinforce SMCS values and demonstrate how music continues to play a significant role in life after the Choir School,

regardless of your chosen career.

I know your time is precious, so thank you for taking a few minutes to check this out! If you really like it, please pass this

along to your friends and family.

Best regards,

Sean

Sean Haggerty ‘88

Deloitte www.deloitte.ca

Direct: 905-315-5710 | Cell: 289-439-2570

IN MEMORIAM

Our sympathy to Daniel Godin’s ’73 on the death of his mother Lydia Godin on October 21, 2012

SAVE the DATE

Sunday, December 2, 2012, 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - Seraphim Choir - at the Distillery District Christmas Market.

Friday, December 7, 2012, 8:00 pm – St. Bonaventure’s Parish Christmas Concert

Singers must attend two rehearsals to participate in the Distillery District and St. Bonaventure –

for further information on this event contact richard.foty@gmail.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - The Mistletones - Concert at the Glenn Gould Studio (see above)

Saturday, December 15, 2012 - 7:30 pm - St. Michael’s Choir School Annual Christmas Concert - Massey Hall

Sunday, December 16, 2012 - 3:00 pm - St. Michael’s Choir School Annual Christmas Concert - Massey Hall

Choir School Christmas Concert Tickets at www.christmasconcert.ca

Floor & Balcony $40 - $35, Gallery $20

Friday, December 21, 2012 - Victoria Scholars - Blessed Sacrament Church - 8:00 pm

Sunday, December 23, 2012 - Victoria Scholars - Our Lady of Sorrows Church - 7:30 pm

Welcome Yule

Ring in the Yuletide with the Victoria Scholars as they present a concert of carols from Christmas past and present, by composers from Canada and around the world.

Join the Scholars for a festive and spirited celebration of seasonal music.