Music Director - Beverly Koski
Beverly Koski is an organist, choir director and accompanist with a long history of involvement in church music and congregational song beginning in a Finnish Lutheran church in Northern Ontario.
Currently also a piano teacher, Beverly has diversified experience playing both traditional and contemporary worship music, and has previously been accompanist for the Jubilate Singers and played 'live music' for ballet classes at the Kingston School of Dance. More recently she held the position of Organist and Choir Director at St. John's Portsmouth in Kingston. As past Chair of the Communications Committee for 'I Feel the Winds - A Festival of Music', along with other members of the Kingston Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, she participated in hosting national and local visitors to the Festival in Kingston in July 2016.
Beverly is excited to work with the members of the congregation and community to share in the celebration of worship and music at Cooke's-Portsmouth.
Accompanist & Organist - Kate Van Allen
A graduate of Queen's University (B.Mus, B.Ed.), Kate was a school teacher and pianist in Kingston before moving to Ottawa in 1984. After 14 years of teaching piano and raising three daughters, she and her family returned to Kingston in 1998. Since that time, she has been keeping busy as a piano teacher, accompanist, and was previously the conductor of the Parr Christie Singers. She has also been involved in a number of musical theatre productions.
In addition, she has been substitute pianist at Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church for a few years, and is happy to be working in collaboration with the Music Director, Beverly, Rev. Nadene, and the many members of the CPUC Worship team.
Worship Choir
The Worship Choir rehearses Thursdays 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm, and sings in the Sunday morning services at least twice a month. The choir sings an engaging repertoire of a variety of styles from classical to contemporary. The worship choir includes choristers who sing in other community choirs or have been members of other performing groups and welcomes any new members who would like to join in and sing.
Special Music and Soloists
In addition to the regular use of the organ and the Yamaha grand piano, guest musicians from the congregation and community are invited to share their talents during the service. Popular gifted musicians have included, a harpist, violinist, flautist, tuba payer, bagpiper, pianists and oboist.
If you would like further information about participating in the choir or offering special music within the service contact koski.beverly@gmail.com