Laura Cross- Member at Large
Laura grew up in a musical family and has always enjoyed singing and playing various instruments. She spent many years of her career as a practicing Music Therapist. Laura is a recent addition to A Cappella Plus and is honoured to sing with this dynamic group. In particular, she enjoys the wide repertoire of music and the challenge of singing the inner harmonies required of an alto singer!
Laura grew up in a musical family and has always enjoyed singing and playing various instruments. She spent many years of her career as a practicing Music Therapist. Laura is a recent addition to A Cappella Plus and is honoured to sing with this dynamic group. In particular, she enjoys the wide repertoire of music and the challenge of singing the inner harmonies required of an alto singer!
Linda Dier-
Music has always been a big part of Linda’s life. Growing up in Saskatchewan, Linda spent many hours studying piano and singing in choirs. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan (BA with a major in psychology) and University of Manitoba (B Ed with a major in school music). Linda taught school music for a number of years in Saskatoon and Winnipeg. After completing a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology, she made the switch to school counselling and ultimately, school and district administration. Upon moving to Vancouver Island, Linda rediscovered the joy of choral music. In 2007, she co-founded Nanaimo Sings!, a choral umbrella organization with 17 choir members. In her capacity as Chair of Nanaimo Sings!, Linda works with an amazing team of music colleagues from various Nanaimo choirs to produce festivals and bring workshops, clinics and other learning opportunities to the over 400 singers in the organization. She enjoys singing with A Cappella Plus and appreciates the community spirit of the group.
Music has always been a big part of Linda’s life. Growing up in Saskatchewan, Linda spent many hours studying piano and singing in choirs. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan (BA with a major in psychology) and University of Manitoba (B Ed with a major in school music). Linda taught school music for a number of years in Saskatoon and Winnipeg. After completing a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology, she made the switch to school counselling and ultimately, school and district administration. Upon moving to Vancouver Island, Linda rediscovered the joy of choral music. In 2007, she co-founded Nanaimo Sings!, a choral umbrella organization with 17 choir members. In her capacity as Chair of Nanaimo Sings!, Linda works with an amazing team of music colleagues from various Nanaimo choirs to produce festivals and bring workshops, clinics and other learning opportunities to the over 400 singers in the organization. She enjoys singing with A Cappella Plus and appreciates the community spirit of the group.
Val Duthie- Secretary
Val is one of three original members still singing in A Cappella Plus! She has been singing most of her life, first in school choirs, then church choirs, and college choirs. She and husband James sang in the John Bate choir in Putney, London, and on emigrating to Canada in 1975 joined the Vancouver Bach choir. They have 3 grown children, 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter whom they like to visit regularly. Val volunteers at the Port Theatre and likes to travel, walk, bicycle, garden and occasionally dabbles in writing and home decor.
Val is one of three original members still singing in A Cappella Plus! She has been singing most of her life, first in school choirs, then church choirs, and college choirs. She and husband James sang in the John Bate choir in Putney, London, and on emigrating to Canada in 1975 joined the Vancouver Bach choir. They have 3 grown children, 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter whom they like to visit regularly. Val volunteers at the Port Theatre and likes to travel, walk, bicycle, garden and occasionally dabbles in writing and home decor.
Lonnie Moddle
Lonnie grew up in Burnaby, B.C., received her teaching certificate from SFU and a post-graduate Diploma in Kodaly Music Education from the U. of Calgary. Lonnie retired from 32 years of teaching, mostly as a Music Specialist, in June, 2011. She has also been a church Music Director for over 30 years, and is currently Music Director at Brechin United Church in Nanaimo. Lonnie was fortunate to be Choral Director on a 10 month cross - Canada tour with church musician, Ron Klusmeier, directing 126 concerts. She is enjoying her second year as Music Director of the Craig Bay Choristers in Parksville. Lonnie likes to putter in the garden and play her new baby grand!
Lonnie grew up in Burnaby, B.C., received her teaching certificate from SFU and a post-graduate Diploma in Kodaly Music Education from the U. of Calgary. Lonnie retired from 32 years of teaching, mostly as a Music Specialist, in June, 2011. She has also been a church Music Director for over 30 years, and is currently Music Director at Brechin United Church in Nanaimo. Lonnie was fortunate to be Choral Director on a 10 month cross - Canada tour with church musician, Ron Klusmeier, directing 126 concerts. She is enjoying her second year as Music Director of the Craig Bay Choristers in Parksville. Lonnie likes to putter in the garden and play her new baby grand!
Nancy Twynam
Nancy loves music! Over the years she has sung in church, community and school choirs; she played in high school and university bands, and participated in musical productions. But her favourite singing opportunity occurred when she joined A Cappella Plus in Fall 2010. This dynamic and dedicated group of singers provides fun, camaraderie and amazing musical opportunities. Over the past few years Nancy has had even more singing fun when ACP joined up with Vancouver Island Choir on a choral tour of China, Croatia and in 2021, Spain. When not singing, Nancy’s favourite past-time is being ‘off the grid’ with her family at their remotely located cabin – paddling, chopping wood, and enjoying nature.
Nancy loves music! Over the years she has sung in church, community and school choirs; she played in high school and university bands, and participated in musical productions. But her favourite singing opportunity occurred when she joined A Cappella Plus in Fall 2010. This dynamic and dedicated group of singers provides fun, camaraderie and amazing musical opportunities. Over the past few years Nancy has had even more singing fun when ACP joined up with Vancouver Island Choir on a choral tour of China, Croatia and in 2021, Spain. When not singing, Nancy’s favourite past-time is being ‘off the grid’ with her family at their remotely located cabin – paddling, chopping wood, and enjoying nature.
