The OOTB TEAM
Tyler Fitzgerald,
Artistic Director
An operatic baritone, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and conductor, Tyler has a passion for music education and uniting people through the power of group singing. Whether performing in an opera, musical, or with his four-piece country/jazz/rock band, Tyler believes singing is not for a select few and that all those with a desire to explore their creativity through singing in harmony with others can experience connection and joy.
“OOTB Chorus was born from a desire to build an inclusive musical community committed to creating an atmosphere where those with a desire to sing and expand their musical horizons could find a place to express themselves without fear. We are a choir who believe we have can have a positive impact the communities around us by spreading joy through our love of singing!”
Tyler works with both opera companies and symphony orchestras throughout Canada and Europe. Some roles include Masetto in Don Giovanni at Edmonton Opera, Tarquinius in The Rape of Lucretia with Calgary Opera, as well as Carmina Burana with the Peterborough Symphony, and Kitchener Waterloo Symphony. In 2017, Tyler made two European debuts - Count Ceprano (Rigoletto) at the Statstheatre in Mainz Germany, and Baron Scarpia (Tosca) with Oper Rheinsberg. He toured China on a recital tour with pianist Carol Wong and soprano Sasha Djihanian performing a program of duets and classical arias.
Roles in music theatre roles include the title role in The Phantom of the Opera, Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, and a Western Canadian tour as Rolf in The Sound of Music.
Visit Tyler’s website: www.tylerfitzgerald.ca
Christine Spencer,
OOTB Team
Ashley Haineault,
OOTB Team
Eileen Kosasih, Pianist
Eileen Kosasih is a pianist, violinist, artist, and general presenter of things that she finds inspired and inspiring. She holds an M. A. in Fine and Decorative Arts and Design, a piano diploma, a B. A. in Music (violin), and an M. Music (orchestral conducting). Eileen is the principal 2nd violin of the Symphony of the Kootenays and freelance performs and educates all over southern Alberta and BC. She founded and conducted the Calgary Arts Orchestra. Accompaniment residencies have included the Calgary Multicultural Choir, Suzuki Talent Education Society, and Calgary Girls Choir. Eileen workshops for the Youth Orchestra Symposium at the Banff Centre, Alberta Clinic Line, and the Calgary Instrumental Society. One of her favourite gigs is teaching for the CPO's Phil Kids. Some of her favourite things include benchmark Abstract Expressionist paintings, her critters, and orchestral works by Bartok.
Eileen is excited to make music with the members of Out of the Blue Chorus in the 2024/25 Season!
Hello! My name is Christine, and I’ve been a proud member of the Out of the Blue Chorus since its beginning. I love it! Singing with the choir each week is something I cherish; it's an opportunity to learn, grow, and be surrounded by positive energy. I feel fortunate to share these choir nights with my mom and the amazing friends we've made who continually find new ways to make me laugh!
Professionally, I’m a registered nurse and love what I do! I'm a mom to two wonderful kids who constantly bring joy and laughter. I’m also an avid crafter. I love getting creative and always have some projects on the go, whether knitting, scrapbooking, or making homemade gifts. Crafting is my way of relaxing and expressing myself, and I love the satisfaction of creating something unique with my hands.
Hello! My name is Ashley. I am married and have two wonderful boys. I stay active with my sons' school, serving as the school council president and volunteering at various events whenever possible.
Music has always been a big part of my life. I’ve played the piano, participated in school choirs and bands, and enjoyed performing in musical theatre. For the past five years, I’ve been singing in adult choirs and currently sing with the Out of the Blue Chorus. In addition to singing, I help with weekly sign-ins and lend a hand wherever possible to support our choir community!
Our Story
How We Found Our Voice
Out of the Blue Chorus was created from a passion for building an inclusive and vibrant musical community. Our goal is to provide a welcoming space where anyone desiring to SING and expand their musical horizons can express themselves freely and creatively, without fear or judgment. Whether you're a seasoned singer or a beginner, we invite you to join us and join our musical community.
Our
Mission
At Out of the Blue Chorus, we aim to empower our members to explore their creativity by singing unique arrangements of our favourite rock, pop, folk, and universal gospel songs. We believe singing is a joyful and transformative experience that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their musical background or singing experience.
There are NO AUDITIONS for joining the OOTB Chorus. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just starting, you don’t need any prior singing experience or the ability to read music. Our members come from all walks of life, each bringing their unique backgrounds and experiences to our community.
SING. CONNECT. BELONG. INSPIRE.
We are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Our weekly rehearsals are more than just practice; they are a chance to build connections, foster a sense of belonging, and inspire one another through the power of music. We bring this same spirit to our concerts throughout the choir season, where the excitement of performing together enhances our sense of community and shared joy. We aim to make singing and learning about music an enjoyable and enriching experience for everyone involved.
Our
Passions
Collaboration
We believe that all voices, regardless of ability or experience, deserve to be heard and celebrated. Our collaborative process begins in our weekly rehearsals, where every member plays a vital role in shaping our choir's unique sound and community spirit. We are always eager to partner with other choral organizations, local musicians, and performers who share our passion for contributing to Calgary's rich and diverse musical landscape.
Our concerts often showcase choirs from local high schools, arts organizations, and choir foundations throughout the Calgary area. We love bringing together diverse musical expressions and fostering a sense of community within our city's vibrant choral scene.
Education
“OOTB places a large emphasis on helping to expand the musical language of our members.”
At Out of the Blue, we strongly emphasize expanding our members' musical language and skills. Singing is not just a joyful activity; it has numerous benefits for overall well-being. Research shows that singing can relieve tension and stress, boost self-confidence, and improve overall health.
We provide our members the tools to explore their voices and deepen their understanding of music. As a non-auditioned choir, we offer listening and learning materials to enhance the singing experience and help demystify the fear of interacting with sheet music. A key component of our mission is to highlight the value of musical education and its profound impact on our daily lives and overall well-being.