On June 5, 2018, the BCCF proudly presented the Amy Ferguson Award to longtime Oak Bay High School choral teacher Sally Braswell Murphy, who retired at the end of the current school year. Dr. Amy Ferguson was the founder and conductor of the renowned Nelson Boys’ Choir. From 1931 until her death in 1972, she was mentor and guide to hundreds of young people in the Nelson area as a voice and piano teacher, and choral conductor. Many of Dr. Ferguson’s students went on to distinguished careers as vocal soloists and teachers. This award, created in her memory, recognizes the importance of excellent vocal technique taught by a choral director.

Sally Braswell Murphy has lead the choral program at Oak Bay High School (Victoria, BC) for the past 16 years, instilling a great love of singing in her students while ensuring an excellent quality of choral singing instruction along with a fabulous performance ethic. Sally’s ongoing continuing education in vocal technique, choral conducting styles and search for appropriate and endearing music for the 8 choirs in her care has made the Oak Bay High choral program one that consistently wins award and accolades from adjudicators and fellow choral leaders across BC. Her students receive instruction in appropriate vocal techniques for their age and experience level, and these skills ensure that as they progress through their high school years and into adulthood that they have a great foundation for choral work throughout their lives. Many of Sally’s students have continued on to formal instruction in music across North America, and her influence on all of these young singers is felt in the BC choral groups they join after graduation. Sally demonstrates most assuredly the qualities celebrated in the BC Choral Federation’s Amy Ferguson Award, for outstanding choral direction fostering excellence in superior vocal practice.

Colleagues of Sally’s note:

“Sally’s love of singing, choral music and young people radiates in the classroom and on the performance stage. Since her arrival at Oak Bay High, Sally has been committed to building an outstanding choral program based on sound vocal skills, excellent repertoire selection and community.”

“She is constantly demonstrating correct breathing, posture,vowel placement so that our students develop healthy vocal habits.”

“The Choral department at Oak Bay is second to none in size and quality on Vancouver Island. Much of the success can be attributed to the skill and dedication of Sally Murphy. Sally is a dynamic instructor who clearly understands the vocal needs of the adolescent and young adult singer. The choir members are all encouraged to strive for excellence and Sally has given each one of her students the tools needed to reach that goal.”