Shana Swain is a graduate of the Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University, holding a Master of Music in Voice Performance and Literature, a Bachelor of Music with Honours in Education (Piano), and a Bachelor of Education, Althouse College. She also holds an ARCT both in Piano and Voice.
As an undergraduate student, Mrs. Swain worked as a collaborative pianist for several voice students and ensembles. She sang with the Western Singers under the direction of Dr. Victoria Meredith and was active in Western’s opera program, singing the role of Anna Gomez in Menotti’s The Consul and Valetto in Monteverdi’s Poppea. Her most recent performance was with the Sault Ste Marie Musical Comedy Guild in the title role of Mary Poppins.
Mrs. Swain has experience working with choirs in both elementary and secondary schools as well as church choirs. She has also been a vocal coach for musical theatre productions, such as Annie Junior and Pirates of Penzance. With many years of experience as a young musician in Liturgical music, Mrs. Swain has fulfilled several roles, such as cantor, organist, chorister, and music director.
Shana began her career in Sault Ste Marie Ontario as a secondary school music educator for the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board. With her extensive musical background in piano, voice, choral and opera, she brought a wealth of experience to her position and established a strong liturgical music presence within the school.
In 2016, Shana resided in Toronto and taught choir at De La Salle College, Sistema Toronto and TCDSB. She also sang with the Etobicoke Centennial Choir as a Soprano Soloist and Section Lead. For the following two years, Mrs. Swain worked for the York Region District School Board. She held a brief appointment with Arts Unionville teaching piano and voice at Unionville High School in Markham and then spent the remainder of her time teaching drama in the Arts Huron Program in Newmarket. Currently, Shana teaches the vocal music extension program at Catholic Central High School and remains active as a teacher, collaborative pianist, and performer.
