A fun-loving queer arbor-artist based in Ottawa on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory, Kim’s (they/them) artistic and arboricultural practices are deeply connected, feeding and nourishing each other. Working as a composer, performer, arborist, and nature educator, Kim enjoys facilitating workshops and experiences that invite people of all ages and abilities to experiment with interdisciplinary arts creation. Named one of “Six Emerging Canadian Composers To Keep An Eye On” (Ludwig van Toronto, 2022), Kim’s work has been experienced in performances worldwide. Kim plays piano for several choirs in Ottawa, namely Tone Cluster and All Voices, which serve the adult queer community. 

They are part of folk-indie duo YELLOW, and are a founding member of the Paramorph Collective, who launched their debut album on Redshift Records in fall 2023. You can find them in drag as @kin_of_chlorophyll. They love to climb trees, host ‘crafternoons’ with friends, cook and eat good food, and take their niblings on adventures.

Deirdre (she/her) is a choral conductor and music educator based on unceded Algonquin territory (Ottawa, ON), where she conducts Tone Cluster – quite a queer choir. She has been the Artistic Director of Hypatia’s Voice, conductor and pianist with the Ottawa Children’s Choir, Assistant Director of the Ottawa Choral Society and Director of Music at First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. Deirdre holds a M.Mus in Conducting from the New England Conservatory and B.Mus in Vocal Performance from Acadia University.

An educator at heart, Deirdre runs DKmusic where she teaches voice, piano, theory, and conducting. She specializes in introducing contemporary/pop styles to singers from choral and classical backgrounds, as well as working with singers going through hormonal changes due to HRT, puberty, or menopause. 

When not in rehearsal, Deirdre's usually at the dog park with her pups, Stevie Licks and Dolly Pawton. 

Sadia (she/her) is a proud Somali Muslim woman who calls Canada home. With years of experience as a social worker in Ottawa, she has dedicated her career to working closely with children, youth, and families, focusing on the unique needs of racialized communities. Throughout her career, Sadia has partnered with various community organizations in Ottawa. Currently, she serves as an African, Caribbean, and Black Identity-specific School Social Worker and is committed to addressing the structural challenges ACB children and youth face in schools. Her work aims to tackle issues such as anti-Black racism, colonialism, sexism, poverty, and other forms of systemic oppression. 

Outside of her professional life, Sadia is an avid beekeeper, driven by her passion for protecting the fragile bee population and her admiration for their collective nature. She dreams of one day launching a private practice that combines beekeeping with mental health support, using it as a tool to foster wellness and healing. 

Sara (they/she) is a disabled queer, genderqueer educator and artist living on Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory. Originally from the Greater Toronto Area, Sara began performing at the age of three and has received training in dance, acting, and singing. They hold a Master of Professional Education in Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice, with a dissertation focused on supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth within Ontario's educational sectors.

In January 2023, Sara relocated to Ottawa to take on a remarkable opportunity to support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in the public school system and quickly became involved in the city's choral community. They currently sing with Tone Cluster, Ottawa's Quite a Queer Choir, and choreograph the Annual Show Tunes Showdown performance.

During the day, Sara serves as a high school Dramatic Arts teacher. Outside of work, they enjoy attending live performances, painting pottery, singing, spending time with friends, and, most importantly, enjoying moments with their partner, stepchild, and two dogs. Sara is passionate about collaborating with, learning from, and creating alongside 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, queer spawn, and allies.

Pirahashini (pruh-kah-shin-ee, she/her) is a lifelong choir nerd whose background includes music, neuroscience, and teaching/learning. Since moving to Ottawa two years ago, she has been involved in the choral community as an administrator, performer, and educator.