Marla Fontaine
Give a brief bio about yourself/your background/your history.
I was born and raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and now call Brandon home. I hold a Bachelor of Music Specialist degree (Choral, Instrumental and General) and a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University and am currently working towards a Master of Performance in Choral Conducting.
I have taught music and conducted choirs across all grade levels. I began my career working in Winnipeg, where I directed the St. James-Assiniboia Divisional Children’s Choir. Currently, I am the music specialist at École Harrison in Brandon, where I direct four choirs and a vocal jazz ensemble. I am the director of the Apprentice, Concert and Chamber Choirs for the Brandon Conservatory Chorale program, which is in its 40th year at Brandon University. I am in demand as a guest conductor and have particularly enjoyed working with the Western, Eastern and Central Manitoba Youth Choirs as well as the Provincial Honour Choir. I have sung with “das Femmes”, a vocal ensemble made up of eight women, and co-conducts “Konektis”, an adult choral group made up of singers from around Western Manitoba.
I am committed to music advocacy and professional development in music education. I am the Past President of the Manitoba Music Educators’ Association, and Brandon coordinator for Orff Children’s Day. In my spare time, I enjoy running, swimming, skiing, camping, and traveling with my two children, Miles and Gracie.
What education have you taken?
I hold a Bachelor of Music Specialist degree (Choral, Instrumental and General) and a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University and I am currently working toward my Master of Performance in Choral Conducting. I have also completed Orff Level I and II from the University of Manitoba.
How did you become interested in your field/area of study?
Music has always been my passion, and I love working with young people. I feel so fortunate to be able to combine these two interests in my studies, career, and extra-curricular endeavours. Growing up, I took piano lessons, joined the school band, and sang in choir at school and at church. Whenever possible, I performed alone and with friends at local events. It was only natural for me to pursue a music degree. As a teenager, I taught piano lessons, babysat, and worked at a summer day camp. I am fueled by young people, with their energy and desire to learn. Becoming a music teacher was a perfect fit. I have had so many opportunities to build on my love for choral music and I am thrilled to further my studies in choral conducting with the experts at Brandon University.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the way in which I have helped to build the young people in my life. I am fortunate to be raising two strong, smart, caring, and independent children. In my teaching life, I have had the opportunity to work with students, who have become performers, music teachers, colleagues, fellow choristers, and friends. It is truly an honour to be a part of their lives and to be able to contribute to their growth.
In my professional life, I am proud to be asked to work as a guest clinician for various honour choirs around the province. In my non-musical life, I value the fact that I have completed a number of sprint triathlons.
Where do you see yourself in the future? What do you hope to undertake or accomplish once you leave BU?
As a part-time student, I am taking courses while working a full-time job. Once I complete my Master of Music degree, I hope to continue to teach music and choir both in and out of school. It is my goal to continue to grow the Brandon Conservatory Chorale program and to contribute more fully to my adult choirs. It would be a dream to one day take a choir to participate in an international choir festival and to meet choral conductors form around the world.
What is your philosophy in life?
We are given so many opportunities in life. I believe in making the most of the time and experiences we are offered. It is my philosophy that the people we love, and the ways in which we share our lives with them, make us better humans on this earth.
In one sentence, how will you #EmbraceEquity?
I pledge to #EmbraceEquity by advocating for resources, education, and supports to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to thrive in music, in school, and in their future pursuits.
Nominator’s Comments:
As an elementary music educator and community choral conductor, Marla has been a leader in our community for many years. One of the most dynamic elementary educators that I have ever known, Marla instills a love for collaboration, cooperation, community and fun in her work, weaving a tapestry of musical artistry wherever she goes. She embraces equity in her love and support of each student, exactly where they are, and in her commitment to teaching and performing music that amplifies a wide range of voices and experiences.