Artistic Team
Brian Bowman, Artistic Director | Director, Up2Something
Brian’s musical training began at age six with piano lessons – arguably earlier than that with performances on the living room coffee table. At age 10, he began piano studies with Professor A.M. Munn at the University of Alberta and completed his A.Mus. in piano performance at age 17. In addition to classical music studies, he was actively involved as a church musician, performing as the accompanist for the church choir, rhythm section and, for five years, with the orchestra for performances of the ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ in Edmonton. He founded “Second Chants” of the Youth Singers of Calgary in 1995 and directed the division for seven years before creating a new society dedicated to the adult recreational singer in 2002. He is now the Artistic Director of the Adult Recreational Choir Society (ARCS) and conducts the 70-voice mixed chorus called Up2Something.
Brian enrolled in the Faculty of Business in 1982 and completed a B.Comm. (Marketing) in 1987. He has served as Acting Executive Director of the Western Board of Music, General Manager of the Calgary Boys Choir, and as General Manager of Youth Singers of Calgary until November of 2001. Since then, he has enjoyed a successful career as a fundraising professional, serving as Director of Development for the Calgary Health Trust, Senior Director of Campaign & Resource Development for the United Way of Calgary & Area, and is presently the Director of Alumni & Development at SAIT Polytechnic.
Brian's favorite movies include Shawshank Redemption, Dead Poet's Society and The Sound of Music.
Michelle Rousseau, Director, Up2Christmas & She's Up2Something
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Michelle began singing at the age of four and has since carried a passion for music and performance. Beginning her conducting studies under a mentor in high school, Michelle went on to study music at Nazarene University College. In 2006, Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a concentration in choral conducting and piano. Michelle graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education in 2010, specializing in Secondary Music. Continuing in her passion for teaching and learning, Michelle presently works at Heritage Heights School as a Grade 3 teacher.
Choral singing and conducting have woven themselves throughout Michelle’s life since the age of 16. She has sung with the Nazarene University College Chorus and Chamber Choir, as well as the Alberta Centennial Chorus and the Savridi Singers. Michelle is thrilled to begin her third season with the ARCS family and has learned a great deal from the wonderful members of the organization.
Katherine Burrowes, Principal Choreographer
Katherine is a well-known performer and choreographer in the Calgary arts community. She began her dance and vocal training with the Youth Singers of Calgary in 1995, and soon after began studio training with Absolute Dance Inc. as well. She followed her passion for dance to the University of Calgary Dance Program. Here she received a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance, graduating with Distinction. She continued on to train with the Decidedly Jazz Danceworks Professional Program for two years, while performing professionally as a singer and dancer.
A long-standing love of urban dance lead Katherine to co-found the successful Hip-Hop crew IllFX. She has also performed with The Calgary Spurs, House of Dangerkat, Shine Ensemble, Elektra Dance Company and various entertainment agencies. She has also had the privilege of performing on numerous international tours with the Youth Singers of Calgary.
Katherine began her choreographic training with the Youth Singers as well, while she was still in high school. She continues to choreograph for the organization, as well as for numerous dance studios, performing groups and schools in and around Calgary.
Integrating an excitement for travel, Katherine has spent the past year and a half studying dance around the world. Her knowledge base includes Hip-Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Musical Theatre, African, Caribbean, Swing, Latin, and Ballroom. She strives for knowledge and excellence in dance and music, and believes firmly in the value of education and self-expression through art.
Brent Tucker, Director, Something Lite
Brent Tucker was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan where he obtained his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Regina. Later, he obtained his Colleague Diploma from the Royal Canadian College of Organists. Brent has held church positions in Regina and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, St Catharines, Ontario, and currently serves as the Organist and Director of Music at St. David's United Church.
In addition being an active accompanist, performer, and composer, Brent has also served on the executive for the Calgary Society of Organists and the Calgary Centre for the Royal Canadian College of Organists. As a lover of choral music, Brent has sung in many ensembles and has also accompanied soloists and choirs.
His philosophy is that music should be enjoyed and one should have as much fun as possible making it. When not involved with music, Brent enjoys creating coffee drinks, walking around Prince's Island Park, spending time with his friends and family, and driving his 65 Valiant (preferably with the top down).