Music has always been a part of Jorrel’s life. As a child, his grandparents always had music in the home: grandpa would play the drums, and grandma would sing and encourage him to find his own voice. He started taking piano lessons at the age of 10, and continued to develop his voice singing in church and enjoying karaoke with the family. His passion for singing grew through his involvement in many choirs during his youth including Winnipeg School Division Honour choirs, and Provincial Honour choirs. After high school, Jorrel continued to foster his love of choir singing with the University of Winnipeg Downtown Vocal Jazz, SonoLux, and Ecco Singers.

A graduate of University of Winnipeg, Jorrel holds a Bachelor of Education with a major in musical theatre. He has done work on musical productions with Winnipeg Studio Theatre and Stage 16, and on multiple school productions. He developed and directed the vocal jazz and choirs at Chief Peguis Middle School while working as a classroom teacher. Currently, Jorrel is the director of the Winnipeg Youth Chorus Junior. He is involved with the Manitoba Choral Association, sitting on both the Provincial Honour Choir and Choralfest committees.

Jorrel has always been empowered by the ability music has to bring people together through collective breath. He is very excited for the opportunity to work with a friend and colleague he met while singing in choir, and is looking forward to making beautiful, meaningful music with Ecco singers.

Roberta Velarde, Co-Director

Roberta’s love for choir began by singing with her cousins in the dining room at the family farm, and while on road trips when her dad would ask her to teach him to harmonize. She was actively involved in many musical events in the Interlake region including church choirs, music teams, productions, and choir at Stonewall Collegiate. Roberta grew up participating in the Rockwood Festival of Arts, and fondly remembers singing for adjudicators that would one day adjudicate her own choirs.

Roberta graduated with a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education from Brandon University in 2012. She has been building the choir family at West Kildonan Collegiate since 2014, working with six choirs on a daily basis. While working on her undergrad degree, Roberta directed a community choir in Hartney, Manitoba, preparing for two concerts each year. She has been invited to conduct the Central Manitoba Choral Association’s High School Choir Workshop and has served on the Manitoba Choral Association as the Professional Development Chair for many years.

Roberta believes that singing is a powerful tool that can build bridges and strengthen communities. After singing with Ecco Singers for almost a decade, Roberta is excited to step into this new role as artistic director, working together with long-time friend and colleague, Jorrel.

Kimberly Lapatha, Accompanist