Master Director, Martha DeClerq

The Director is the heart of the Chorus and she is responsible for helping each and every member achieve their full vocal potential.

York Harmony Chorus is lucky to have Martha DeClerq at the helm after she joined our chorus in the Fall of 2001.  Less than a year later, Martha won the Novice Director Award. She has also earned the Nancy Field Leadership Award and the Larry Dale Coaching Award (2013) making her a directing dynamo!

In 2018 Martha achieved her Master Director designation after guiding YHC to a score over 600 at the Regional Competition. 

Martha is a dynamic enthusiastic leader who began her Sweet Adeline’s career singing in Nepean, ON with Canadian Showtime Chorus. After moving to Toronto, she joined internationally acclaimed North Metro Chorus where she won two gold international medals.

In addition to her chorus experience, Martha has also competed in various quartets, both regionally and internationally and was part of the Region 16 Champion Quartets 'Quasar', 'Here & Now' and 'S.L.A.M.!'.

Under her passionate guidance, YHC was thrilled to win the 2019 Regional AA Division Championship and achieved 4th place in the 2022 SAI International Harmony Classic competition in Phoenix, Arizona. 

In addition to sharing her love and skills with YHC, Martha also coaches several choruses and quartets in the region and internationally. She is a Certified Director and has been actively involved in the Lake Ontario Region 16 Education Faculty. She has been instrumental in encouraging young women to learn and enjoy the art of Barbershop (a cappella) singing through the “Young Women In Harmony” program.

With over 35 years of Sweet Adelines experience, Martha brings a lot to the table! Outside of singing, she is a fantastic baker who loves the great outdoors, and loves spending time with her husband Peter and two daughters Katherine and Meaghan.

Her motto is “Live, Love, Laugh and definitely, Sing”

We are proud to have Martha at the helm of our musical product with her contagious humour, enthusiasm and dedication.

​To contact Martha email  yhcdirector@gmail.com
 

In addition to our Director, Martha, we are also fortunate enough to have two wonderful Assistant Directors:
 
 
Heather Deslauriers McCuaig                                                      Linda Morrison