On May 29, 2021, Gloria Brooks became the latest recipient of the Willan Award, given annually for outstanding service to the BC Choral Federation. Gloria completed her time on the BCCF Board in May of 2020 after a number of years of dedicated service in the Central/South Okanagan region, including chairing a very successful 2019 Seniors’ Chorfest in Kelowna.

The presentation happened online during BCCF Chorfest 2021, with support from Marta Zeegers (our 2020 Willan Award Recipient), Frances Chaisson (Gloria’s replacement on the BCCF Board) and Esther Goertz (Gloria’s longtime collaborative pianist) who helped us pull off yet another Publishers Clearing House-style delivery of this award – for the second year in a row!

Check out this video to see how it all went down.

Below is a transcript of what was said about Gloria’s contributions to the BCCF, and to choral music in British Columbia:

(Presentation text written by Janette Walker; Presentation of award made by Marta Zeegers)

I have the privilege of honouring someone who has made a significant contribution to choral music in British Columbia.

This person began her singing career at age 5, singing on her older sister’s radio program in Vernon, BC. She grew up in Penticton, studying piano and voice throughout her school years, participating in the Okanagan Music Festivals, Royal Conservatory Exams, church and school choirs, musicals and local summer arts programs. She went on to study voice at UBC in Vancouver, where she began her long association with her beloved teacher, Madame Marie Schilder.

As this person now knows who we are talking about, I will tell you that I am pleased to be giving this tribute to Gloria Brooks.

Going forward a few years.   In 1974, Gloria moved to 100 Mile House and was very active in vocal and choral activities there. Gloria had a very successful vocal studio and also established a children’s choir called The Northern Nightingales.  She was active in the Festival of the Arts for over 20 years, from 1985-2006.  This registered society organized an annual adjudicated music, drama and speech arts festival in 100 Mile House.  Gloria held the positions of President, Vice-President and Vocal Chair throughout many of these years.  She was also on the executive of the Concert Association and the Arts Council. 

In the early 90s, she put an ad in the local paper and established a choir of women’s voices.  The group’s popularity grew and several men expressed an interest in joining the choir. Gloria directed this mixed-voice choir until midway through the first decade of 2000.  It eventually became known as the Eclectica Community Choir.  As well as the choir, she was a member of the Tapestry Singers, an 8 member ensemble and she sang solos on a regular basis for various occasions.  In 2004, Gloria was the recipient of the BCCF Amy Ferguson Award, given to an outstanding choral director who is also an excellent vocal teacher fostering superior vocal practice.

In gathering information on Gloria’s time in the Cariboo, 3 recollections were especially heartwarming.  

Dennis Tupman noted:   “She is dedicated, strong, determined, modest, and caring about matters more than just her ego.  She instilled dedication, loyalty in her choir, and had a few professional singers to her credit as a teacher.”

Eleanor Nicoll remembers: “Gloria and her husband Gary were generous in opening their home to the Arts community.  I remember one time when their daughter Lauren, as a young girl, sang “The 12 Days of Christmas” to entertain their company.  I will always remember what Gloria said after her performance — that having been given the ability and talent to sing also gives that person the responsibility to share it with others.” 

From Patricia Spencer, a long-time friend of Gloria’s in 100 Mile House and a chorister with Eclectica:  “Gloria brought her kindness, caring and love of music to all she worked with here.”

Patricia also recalled that, at the end of Gloria’s last year directing Eclectica, there was a special concert to honour her on June 16, 2006.  Patricia has a copy of the CD they made for Gloria as they worked very hard to prepare Imant Raminsh’s “Ubi Caritas”.  Imant is one of her favourite composers.

Fast forward to 2019.

A special note from Willi Zwozdesky:  “As a Director on the BCCF Board, suddenly and without notice, Gloria assumed chairing a very successful 2019 Seniors’ Chorfest in Kelowna with these outstanding hallmarks:

1) She convened a broad host committee made up of members from a number of Kelowna choirs; 2) she commissioned a new work from Nicholas Kelly for presentation in Kelowna; and 3) she created a project choir of Kelowna seniors specifically to perform at the Kelowna Seniors’ Chorfest. Additionally, in her immense attention to detail she ensured that the Kelowna event had the stamp of the Okanagan firmly imprinted on it – complete with an opening reception at the historic Kelowna Fruit Packing Plant, walking tours along the lakeside of Lake Okanagan, and a wine tour! Her caring and visionary leadership is a model for all of us.”

Gloria completed her time on the BCCF Board in May of 2020 after a number of years of dedicated service. She represented the Central/South Okanagan area and was active in keeping the choristers in that area informed about choral events through regular newsletters and emails.  As a final note before her departure, she ensured that her area was well represented by Frances Chiasson, typical of the way Gloria finishes anything she starts.  

It is my honour and privilege to present Gloria with the Willan Award for outstanding service to the BC Choral Federation.