Tempus Choral Society

About The Tempus Choral Society

Tempus Choral Society was formed in the fall of 1999 as a celebration of the millennium. We started out as a choir of 18 determined and well polished voices. Many of these voices were from the Tempus Youth Choir 1971-1983.

Since our formation in the fall of 1999, Tempus has grown in membership and stature as a vibrant voice in the choral community of Oakville, and indeed in the province of Ontario.

The name Tempus was derived from the Latin, tempus fugit, meaning that our music is from all parts of the choral spectrum. Whether the music is from 500 AD or from the present embracing styles such as Jazz, Classical or Contemporary - we sing it.

The choir has brought home many awards from festivals in New Orleans, Boston and local music festivals in Ontario. Tempus has sung with the Canadian Orpheus Male Choir, Sankt Annae Youth Choir of Denmark, St. John's Chancel Choir (Oakville), Centenary Chancel Choir (Hamilton), at the Charleston International Choral Festival and the list goes on. We continue to look for new venues to enrich our choral experience.

Tempus is guided by an experienced Board of Directors who are committed to the ongoing success of the choir.

Brian L .Turnbull, Music Director

After receiving his ARCT in piano during high school, Brian went on to study organ at the University of Toronto.

His mentors were Douglas Bodle, Healey Willan and Dr. Charles Peaker. His choral studies were with Dr. Elmer Iseler and Lloyd Bradshaw. Travelling to Cambridge England, Turnbull studied choral technique with Stephen Cleobury of King's College, George Guest of St. John's College and John Rutter of Clare College. On the same course, Turnbull studied both organ and choral skills with John Scott at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Recently Brian was asked to be a 'Founding Fellow' of the Honourable Company of Organists, an international organization (Toronto) recognizing talented church musicians.

On the occasion of the Proclamation of the Constitution Act, 1982, Brian had the honour of being chosen as a young achiever for the Halton Riding and was privileged to dine with other young achievers from each electoral riding in the presence of The Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau as well as Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

Brian received his music degree in 1971 with honours from the University of Toronto, followed by his Bachelor of Education in1972 from the same University.

Turnbull recently retired from the Halton District School Board and is on the occasional teaching list. He is involved in the summer organ recital series given at St. James Anglican Church in Orillia
and is summer organist at Brechin United Church.

Brian is currently Director of Music at Centenary United Churchin Hamilton where he directs the Chancel Choir, TruNotes (youth choir) and enjoys playing the magnificent 5 manual Casavant Organ.

Brian directs the main choir of the Tempus Choral Societyas well as the newly formed Chamber Choir.

Jane Wamsley, Accompanist

Jane has her Honours Bachelor of Music (Organ and Church Music), from Wilfrid Laurier University and her Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.

She is currently Director of Music at Christ Church United, Mississauga and teaches in the Faculty of Education at Brock University.

Jane retired from her career as a long-time elementary Music Teacher and Arts Coordinator, and she is the author of several music education publications. Jane continues to promote music education as a workshop leader, festival adjudicator, speaker, curriculum writer, and board member of the Ontario Music Educators' Association.

With her effervescent good nature, lovely sense of humour and keen musical ear, Tempus is honoured to have Jane accompany us each week.