The Town Singers are fortunate to be led by Laurel Tye, a well-known and respected figure in the Carleton Place arts community through her decades of work with The Carleton Place Mudds and the Mudds Junior.
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Laurel is our music director, planning and executing two sessions each year, in the Fall and Spring. All creative decisions are made by Laurel, in collaboration with the leadership team.
Laurel’s love of music was nurtured from an early age in a home filled with song, guided by her father, a musician and composer who encouraged her to perform. She went on to study education and music at the Universities of Windsor, Toronto, and Ottawa, later joining the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board as a music teacher and eventually as a principal.
Over the years, Laurel has directed numerous choirs and musicals and led the Mississippi Mudds through more than thirty years of memorable productions. Her passion for music, leadership experience, and dedication to community arts continue to inspire the Town Singers as we build on our tradition and look toward a vibrant future.
Ian Guenette is an accomplished organist, pianist, accompanist, choral conductor, and church musician with deep roots in Carleton Place. His musical journey began at age seven with piano lessons, and at thirteen he discovered the pipe organ, studying under Jennifer Loveless, Organist of Notre Dame Cathedral-Basilica in Ottawa.
Ian went on to study at McGill University in Montreal, where he trained with world-renowned Swedish organist Professor Hans-Ola Ericsson. During his time at McGill, he sang in the University Choir under Dr. Jean-Sébastien Vallée, played harpsichord in Early Music Ensembles, and participated in workshops with celebrated organists including Jean-Pierre Leguay, Olivier Latry, and Jonathan Oldengarm.
In addition to serving as Director of Music and Organist at St. James Anglican Church in Carleton Place, Ian has worked extensively as an accompanist for community choirs and theatre productions. His work includes multiple seasons with the Arnprior Community Choir, collaborations with the Mississippi Mudds of Carleton Place, and performances with CAMMAC Ottawa Valley Choir. He also leads the Almonte Workshop Choir as its Director.
Ian brings artistry, technical excellence, and a deep love of collaborative music-making to the Town Singers, enriching every performance with his skill and passion.
The Executive Committee
The Town Singers’ Executive Committee is a group of dedicated volunteers who keep the music flowing and the choir running smoothly. While our director and accompanist lead us in song, the Executive Team takes care of everything behind the scenes so we can focus on making great music together. The executive is led by our intrepid President, Nancy Higham.
The executive members:
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Guide the choir’s direction – making decisions that help us grow, stay organized, and stay true to our purpose.
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Plan concerts and events – from booking venues to organizing programs and making sure audiences have a great experience.
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Support our members – welcoming new singers, sharing important updates, and looking after the needs of our choir family.
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Look after the finances – managing our budget and organizing fundraising so the choir stays strong for years to come.
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Connect with the community – spreading the word about the Town Singers and building relationships that help us thrive.
We’re grateful for their time, energy, and passion for keeping our choir a joyful, welcoming place for everyone who loves to sing.
