kwsingers.org - Biographies

Biographies

Jane Gingerich, Director

Hon. BMus., BEd.

Jane Gingerich graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Western Ontario in 1990 and her Bachelor of Education in 1991. Jane has been a teacher with the Waterloo County Board of Education since 1991, and is currently the Head of Music at Southwood Secondary School, a position she has held since 2004.
In addition to teaching vocal, guitar and instrumental music, she directs Southwood’s numerous choirs, Junior Concert Band and runs a lunch hour drum circle on Fridays. She has also been the musical director for several school musicals including OKLAHOMA, GREASE, and BACK TO THE ‘80s. Jane is a past Board of Director for the Ontario Vocal Festival, a former director of the Inter-Mennonite Children’s choir and she directed
the WLU Vocal Jazz Ensemble from 2001 – 2004. Jane is an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an International Honarary Organization for Women Educators. When Jane is not conducting she enjoys singing, playing the guitar and piano, spending time with family and friends, cooking and reading mystery novels.

Donna Mak, Piano

AD, MMus. Perf., BMus. Perf., ARCT Perf., RMT, Senior Examiner Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations (Canada) and The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (USA)

Donna has had an extensive performing history as a pianist, accompanist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist with orchestras. She has appeared on TV and radio broadcasts, and has been a member of many elite musical groups, such as the American Liszt Society, and the Hartt Contemporary Players who regularly premiered new compositions. With numerous years of teaching experience, she continues to be passionate about nurturing young talent, producing many scholarship winners with a lifelong love of music at her private piano and theory studio in Kitchener (www.donnamakpiano.com). She travels frequently as a senior examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations (Canada) and The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (USA). Donna believes in giving back to the community, and has presented concerts in support of numerous charities. She encourages her students to also become involved as performers and fundraisers through their music in the community. When rare free time permits, Donna enjoys pursuing other creative interests, such as photography and edible cake art.