Our Directors and Accompanist
Men's Chorus Director, Spring 2025
Debbie Rice, a Canadian permanent resident, was a university professor in Edmonton for 10 years and faithfully served music ministries for Anglican, Lutheran, and United Church congregations. She is currently the conductor for the Handbell Society of Edmonton. In this area of her career, she has conducted in more than 20 countries, most r
Debbie Rice, a Canadian permanent resident, was a university professor in Edmonton for 10 years and faithfully served music ministries for Anglican, Lutheran, and United Church congregations. She is currently the conductor for the Handbell Society of Edmonton. In this area of her career, she has conducted in more than 20 countries, most recently in Japan where she was honoured with an award from the International Handbell Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education Honors degree and was awarded a full scholarship for her Master's degree in Opera and Musical Theater from Southern Illinois University where she served as Associate Conductor for the Choral Ensembles. During this time, she was a featured soloist for Handel's Messiah, a European tour and winner of the district competition for the Metropolitan Opera Auditions of New York City. She studied with Sherrill Milnes, world renowned operatic baritone. Debbie draws on her vast experience as a professional singer, choral/handbell conductor, and passion for teaching to nurture and hopefully inspire musicians of all ages at every level.
Bells in Harmony Director
Brent Orchard was born and raised in Fort Saskatchewan, with strong interests in sports, the arts, and music; he is accomplished in French horn and piano. In his professional life, he was a carpenter, working at Sherritt for over 35 years, yet finds time to pursue and share his interests, having coached Minor Soccer for many years and no
Brent Orchard was born and raised in Fort Saskatchewan, with strong interests in sports, the arts, and music; he is accomplished in French horn and piano. In his professional life, he was a carpenter, working at Sherritt for over 35 years, yet finds time to pursue and share his interests, having coached Minor Soccer for many years and now sharing his musical talents with the Josephburg Choral Society. His late father, Bruce Orchard, was one of the founding members of the Men's Chorus, so when Brent graduated high school, he joined too. His beautiful tenor voice makes him the natural choice as our Lead First Tenor. Brent has held many executive positions, including President, but for the past 19 years has devoted his musical talents as director of the Handbell Ensemble, in addition to singing with the Men's Chorus.
Men's Chorus Accompanist
Men's Chorus Accompanist
Mary Guillermo was born in Japan and moved to California when she was 10 months old. She grew up both in Japan and the U.S. and spent most of her adult life in Canada, which is her favourite country now! She started playing piano at the age of four and competed in various competitions throughout her life. She earned her Bachelor's and Mas
Mary Guillermo was born in Japan and moved to California when she was 10 months old. She grew up both in Japan and the U.S. and spent most of her adult life in Canada, which is her favourite country now! She started playing piano at the age of four and competed in various competitions throughout her life. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education from Aoyama University and currently teaches piano privately and accompanies choirs and other instruments. Music is her life, and she enjoys every bit of it!