Ryan Henwood | Principal Conductor

Ryan Henwood is a Halifax-based composer, conductor, music educator. Ryan is currently the Artistic Director of Choirs for Change and Principal Conductor of Polaris, and assistant conductor of the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus. Ryan graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Music in Composition in the Spring of 2017 and was the recipient of the University Medal in Music.

​As a composer, Ryan’s main focus is on the creation of new vocal works- in both solo and choral settings. In the summer of 2017, Ryan traveled to Europe to participate in COSI’s inaugural Opera Creation Lab in Sulmona, Italy.  Ryan also competed in the 8th International Antonín Dvořák Composition Competition, where he received the special prize for Best Religious Vocal Piece. In the spring of 2018, Ryan also placed second for his composition, Pulse, in the Eastern Horizon Choral Writing Competition. Ryan has also performed alongside leading choral ensembles including the Halifax Camerata Singers, Eastern Horizon, and two tours with the National Youth Choir of Canada in 2018 and 2022.

---

Rebecca McCauley | Associate Conductor

Rebecca McCauley is a music educator, choral conductor and performer based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax.  She is a graduate of Dalhousie University where she holds a combined honours degree in Music and Theatre as well as MUN where she holds a Bachelor of Music Education as a second degree. In addition to her work as an educator conducting, Rebecca has worked as a performer in various regional and touring productions including: Ensemble in Fatty Legs (Xara Choral Theatre), Robin in Godspell (U.S National Tour), Luisa in The Fantasticks (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia), Ruby in The Forest in My Room (Neptune Tour Co.), Vocalist in Singalong Jubilee (The Guild), Pamina in The Magic Flute (Dal Opera), Cathleen in Riders to the Sea (Dal Opera). Rebecca is also the proud co-director of the Halifax Newcomer Choir.

---

Adam Johnson | Collaborative Pianist

Adam is a music teacher at Halifax Independent School, where he directs the middle school band, choir, and theory programs. He has a decade of experience as a church organist, including his current position as organist and choir director at Port Wallis United Church. Adam holds a Master's degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Miami, a B.A. (Honours) from Bishop's University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Memorial University. He also directs the Club Inclusion Choir, an accessible choir for people of all abilities, and an extension of the Club Inclusion organization. ​

---