Farewell, Meredith!

We have some bittersweet news to share. After being with our school since the beginning, Meredith Wanstall is moving on, but for the best possible reason: Meredith is has been appointed Artistic Director of the Bach Children’s Chorus!

Meredith began her journey with ToMA before we were even our own school, working with David Stone from age 11. “I knew there was something special about Meredith, “ says David. “She has always been wise beyond her years, and had an incredible connection with her music that went much deeper than almost any student I had worked with.”

This led to a very early professional opportunity. David continued, “As soon as Meredith had earned her first ARCT and began her undergrad studies, I hired her on the spot to work on our faculty. She was the only teacher I’ve ever hired without a degree, because I knew what an incredible job Meredith would do!”

And what a job she has done. She has inspired countless students over the years, and even found a way of creating an online Virtual Children’s Choir during the COVID-19 pandemic years. But leading a choir has always been Meredith’s true calling. Having earned her Master’s in Choral Conducting, it was only a matter of time before Meredith was able to find the best opportunity for her musical and professional future.

David finished by saying, “Obviously, I’m sad to see Meredith go, but what an incredible chance for Meredith to share her phenomenal musical and mentorship talents with one of the most established youth musical programs in the GTA! I know Meredith will be able to inspire hundreds - if not thousands - of future musicians for years to come.”

Meredith commented on her future, and her time at ToMA. “ This position [at Bach Children’s Chorus] is a dream come true for me as it allows me to use my passion for teaching and conducting to impact over 150 children and youth through the choral arts! It is also the choir that I grew up singing in and which shaped so much of my path as a music educator, which makes this role extra special to me.

“I have been teaching at this school for the past 10 years and have so greatly enjoyed getting to know each student over that time. I have to give a huge thanks to David, who has cultivated a delightful working environment with a team of extremely qualified and thoughtful teachers! It is always sad to have to end a chapter, and this is no exception, but I have full confidence that every student’s musical journey will continue to thrive with the excellent team at ToMA."

On behalf of your Toronto Music Alliance family, we wish Meredith all the very best for her musical future. We have a good feeling this is not a full goodbye, but a “see you out there!”