Emma Whitla is a performer, caregiver, translator, language lover, mender, and settler on the land known colonially as Toronto. She works collaboratively, especially in community striving toward right relations with the land and each other. Emma speaks and writes with high proficiency in Spanish and English, with excellent skills in French, and good knowledge of Portuguese. She has also consistently worked and volunteered in community arts contexts, knowing that community-building is critical for our social fabric. Some of her community connections include She has a BFA in Dance and a certificate in Spanish/English translation from York University. She’s worked with Northern Harmony, Danza Espiral, Free Flow Dance Theatre, Máchari, Guetcha Guaritcha, and Confluence Concerts, and has taught and performed internationally. Recent artistic projects include, featuring on Njacko Backo and Kalimbas at Work’s most recent album, an album collaboration with songwriter Michelangelo Iaffaldano, and production of an upcoming album with her vocal quartet Harmonious AChord — How’s the World Treating You?. She can be found across town singing with just about anybody, but she is excited to be newly working with singer-songwriter Erica Red, working with Robert McDonald under the name Tapsalteerie, and to continue collaborating with long-time musical partner Davey White. She also does recording work, loves to craft and contribute to the Gift Economy. For more about her see emmaso.ca photo by Alkan Emin

Allie Miller-Jeffery, Soprano Section Lead

Allie Miller-Jeffery is a Toronto-based soprano and actress! Originally from Fredericton New Brunswick, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (focusing on music and theatre) from St. Thomas University, in 2020. She enjoyed being in the ensemble of the Broadway by The Sea concert revue in St. Andrews, New Brunswick for three years in a row, which starred Fredericton-born and raised Broadway performer Tony LePage. Some of her favourite theatre credits in Fredericton include Katherine Plumber (Newsies), Miss Honey (Matilda: The Musical), and Mary Sunshine (Chicago). She is also a graduate of the musical theatre program at Randolph College for the Performing Arts, class of 2022. Some of her favourite theatre credits in Toronto include Sarah Brown in her graduating musical from Randolph, Guys and Dolls, and Squirelle 1/Penguin in TYT Theatre’s production of Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in A Play! She is also a regular performer at the newly established cabaret hotspot for emerging artists, The Dot Cabaret. She is a classically trained soprano who enjoys singing a wide variety of music genres, and has completed her grade 10 voice exam from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She is currently a soprano section lead with the Jubilee United Church choir, under the direction of Jeannie Wyse and she feels so fortunate to also be the new soprano section lead with the Echo choir! https://www.instagram.com/alliebjeffery/

photo by Dahlia Katz

ECHO’S Fall/Winter Season begins Tuesday, September 8, 7–9pm,
finishing on December 6 with a concert.

Holy Trinity Church, by the Eaton Centre, accessible south doors.
19 Trinity Square, Dundas Subway Station MAP
Paid parking under Bell Trinity Square, entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen.

WHAT’S NEW THIS TERM
We have formally changed our name to ECHO Choir to emphasize our inclusivity as an adult treble-voice, non-auditioned choir which welcomes women, trans and non-binary folks. We remain a strong, inclusive, mutually supportive community in the heart of Toronto, which has been committed to a unique and eclectic repertoire focusing on social justice, musical excellence and passionate expression since 1991.

We look forward to working with Katie White as our new Artistic Director. Katie has experience in a variety of musical contexts, including opera, musical theatre, and choral leadership. She has worked with our former Artistic Director, Alan Gasser, for the past three years and is eager to build on our legacy as well as to introduce new repertoire to the choir. 

We bid farewell to our longstanding Artistic Director, Alan Gasser, who contributed so much to Echo over his 33 years of leadership. Alan will continue to support Echo in a consultative role.

Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays and the occasional Saturday at Church of the Holy Trinity. (See schedule below.) We will have a workshop with fall guest artist Nicole Joy-Fraser, an open rehearsal, orientation for new members, sectionals, break-end singing, and more! We will be learning and practising new songs in preparation for our winter concert.

Season Fees are $200. (Sept. 8 – Dec. 6)
We make singing accessible to all through sliding scale membership fees.

If you would like to join us or have questions, please contact Anne:
info.echo@gmail.com

Echo accepts donations through Canadahelps

Echo Fall Schedule  
Church of the Holy Trinity

September  *all Tuesdays 7-9pm (6:30- 9pm)
Tues. 8
Tues. 15 Orientation for new members
Tues. 22 Open Rehearsal & Welcome Tea
Tues. 29
October 
Tues.  6
Tues. 13
Tues. 20
Sat. 24 Workshop 10-12:30pm (guest artist Nicole Joy-Fraser)
Tues. 27
November
Tues. 3
Tues. 10 AGM  
Tues. 17
Tues. 24 No rehearsal at Holy Trinity, sectionals at member homes
December
Tues. 1
Sat. Dec. 5, Dress Rehearsal, 10-2pm (9:30pm arrival)
Sun. Dec.6, Concert 7:30pm with guest artist Nicole Joy-Fraser and
Becca Whitla guest piano accompanist.

You’re invited to sing with a welcoming community in a
beautiful historic building.

ECHO’S Fall/Winter Season begins Tuesday, September 8, 7–9pm,
finishing on December 6 with a concert.

We rehearse at Holy Trinity Church
by the Eaton Centre, accessible south doors.
19 Trinity Square, TMU/Dundas Subway Station MAP
Paid parking under Bell Trinity Square, entrance on the east side of
Bay, north of Queen.

WHAT’S NEW THIS TERM
We have formally changed our name to ECHO Choir to emphasize our inclusivity as an adult treble-voice, non-auditioned choir which welcomes women, trans and non-binary folks. We remain a strong, inclusive, mutually supportive community in the heart of Toronto, which has been committed to a unique and eclectic repertoire focusing on social justice, musical excellence and passionate expression since 1991.

We look forward to working with Katie White as our new Artistic Director. Katie has experience in a variety of musical contexts, including opera, musical theatre, and choral leadership. She has worked with our former Artistic Director, Alan Gasser, for the past three years and is eager to build on our legacy as well as to introduce new repertoire to the choir. 

We bid farewell to our longstanding Artistic Director, Alan Gasser, who contributed so much to Echo over his 33 years of leadership. Alan will continue to support Echo in a consultative role.

We are excited to welcome our 2 new Section Leads this fall. 
Allie Miller-Jeffery will be our soprano lead. She is a classically trained singer and actress who has experience in a wide variety of genres and  musical theatre. She is currently a soprano section lead with the Jubilee United Church choir, under the direction of Jeannie Wyse and she feels so fortunate to also be the new soprano section lead with the Echo choir!
 
Emma Whitla will be our alto lead. She is a musician and dancer who has collaborated with a very diverse range of groups. She is excited now to be working with singer-songwriter Erica Red, working with Robert McDonald under the name Tapsalteerie, and to continue collaborating with long-time musical partner Davey White. She brings a depth of singing experience in a range of genres, cultures and languages to her new role with Echo. To learn more about Emma and Allie  visit our website   

Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays and the occasional Saturday at Church of the Holy Trinity. (See schedule below.) We will have a workshop with fall guest artist Nicole Joy-Fraser, an open rehearsal, orientation for new members, sectionals, break-end singing, and more! We will be learning and practising new songs in preparation for our winter concert.

Fall/Winter Season Fees are $200. (Sept. 8 – Dec. 6)
We make singing accessible to all through sliding scale membership fees.

If you would like to join us or have questions, please contact Anne:
info.echo@gmail.com

Echo accepts donations through Canadahelps

ECHO Fall/Winter Schedule at Holy Trinity 2026

September  *all Tuesdays 7-9pm
Tues. 8
Tues. 15 Orientation for new members
Tues. 22 Open Rehearsal & Welcome Tea
Tues. 29
October 
6, 13, 20
Sat. 24 Workshop with guest artist Nicole Joy-Fraser
27
November
3, 10, 17
24 (home sectionals, not at Holy Trinity)
December 1
Sat. Dec. 5, Dress Rehearsal, 10-2pm
Sun. Dec.6, Concert 7:30pm with guest artist Nicole Joy-Fraser and
Becca Whitla guest piano accompanist.

Many thanks you to our supporters!

MATTACHIONI
Italian Restaurant & Grocery Locations: 1617 Dupont St. Toronto
416-519-1010

earth concerns CLEANING SERVICE
Allison Sletcher info@earthconcerns.com 416-535-9397

Katie White katiesmusic.com Teacher, Piano – Voice – Theory
katiesmusicstudio37@gmail.com

Voice Lessons with Catharin Carew M. Mus. Vocal Performance. All levels welcome
catharincarew@hotmail.com
about.me/CCarew

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments – 25 Bloor Street W. Toronto

Holy Trinity Church, by the Eaton Centre, accessible.
19 Trinity Square, Dundas Subway Station MAP
Paid parking under Bell Trinity Square, entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen.

Lynn Harrison
Known for beautifully memorable songs that celebrate life, love and the human spirit, Lynn Harrison has been an inspiring presence on Canadian roots music stages for decades. Her 7th album “Treasure” (2023) was described by Americana Highways magazine as “better than medicine…will put you in a good mood if you’re not” with comparisons to Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Warnes. In January 2026, she published “Songwriting as Soul Work: Songs and the Inner Life” an inspirational companion for songwriters, and she releases new songs regularly on her “Chapel of Song” Substack. Also an ordained minister in the inclusive Unitarian Universalist tradition, Lynn creates heartfelt connections with every audience, offering uplifting songs for complicated times. 

Lynn Harrison
Known for beautifully memorable songs that celebrate life, love and the human spirit, Lynn Harrison has been an inspiring presence on Canadian roots music stages for decades. Her 7th album “Treasure” (2023) was described by Americana Highways magazine as “better than medicine…will put you in a good mood if you’re not” with comparisons to Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Warnes. In January 2026, she published “Songwriting as Soul Work: Songs and the Inner Life” an inspirational companion for songwriters, and she releases new songs regularly on her “Chapel of Song” Substack. Also an ordained minister in the inclusive Unitarian Universalist tradition, Lynn creates heartfelt connections with every audience, offering uplifting songs for complicated times. 
photo credit Sarah Bodri

This workshop/rehearsal is paid for by donation, suggested $20. cash in hat or on-line ticket here
We’ll have tea and snacks too, provided by us:)

earth concerns CLEANING SERVICE Allison Sletcher ajsletcher@gmail.com 416-535-9397

Rose Riccio of Collective Care Health & Wellness Massage – 691 Bloor St W Suite 202, Toronto

Mosiac Yoga Studio – 225 Sterling Rd, Toronto

Gem by Mosaic Pilates – 225 Sterling Road Unit 18 Toronto

Boomerang Pilates – Roncy United Church, 240 Roncesvalles Ave 2nd floor, Toronto

Lippert Music Centre Inc. Charleen Beard.  info@lippertmusic.com – 970 Pape Avenue, Toronto

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments – 25 Bloor Street W. Toronto

Sheilagh McGlynn Meditation/Dance

Thank you for a great evening a fabulous night of music 
with Special Guest, Jennifer Foster, Echo and more!

Fabulous Silent Auction, free snacks, cash bar.
All proceeds support Echo, a non-profit community choir and registered charity.

“Jennifer Foster’s new album Powerline is a wonderful collection of songs. No shortage of sweet melodies or intimate lyrics, and all sung in a voice that is lovely and unpretentious.”
– Ron Sexsmith

Jennifer Foster is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter whose music blends classic pop-folk songwriting with warmth, curiosity, and emotional honesty. Her songs are hooky and heartfelt, inviting listeners in with melody and and drawing them closer through her vivid storytelling

Her new album Powerline, out in April, is an acoustic-driven collection and her most personal songwriting to date. Part love letter, part map, many of the songs were inspired by the New Brunswick farm where she grew up – colourful snapshots of the landscape and her inner world – reflections on relationship, loss, and change. 

Powerline marks Foster’s fourth release. Her previous album earned a JUNO nomination for Producer of the Year (Michael Phillip Wojewoda), and she has collaborated widely across the Canadian music community with artists including Ron Sexmith, Carole Pope, Lori Cullen, Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Moe Berg, and The Pursuit of Happiness. You might also recognize her from five seasons singing as a “Jazzagal” on Schitt’s Creek. Whether performing solo or with her four-piece band, Foster’s warmth and authenticity create an intimate, captivating live experience.

photo credit – Edward Gajdel

A new season of singing has begun at Echo, and it’s not too late to join!

 Want to sing and make friends?
Echo might be the perfect fit for you!
Sing with a welcoming singing community in a beautiful historic building.
If you’re a woman in Toronto, you’re invited to come try us out at 
Church of the Holy Trinity (an accessible space). Join us for the season if you like! 
19 Trinity Square by the Eaton Centre (TMU/Dundas Subway)MAP
Enter through south doors. Evening parking under Bell Trinity Square 
(entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen)

Questions? Contact Anne:
 info.echo@gmail.com 

*********
About Echo:
Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and the occasional Saturday. Activities include a workshop, open rehearsal, orientation for new members, an audience, sectionals, break-end singing, and more! We will be learning and finessing new songs in preparation for our Spring concert, May 10.

Echo established in 1991 is a group of harmonizing women of all
ages and from all backgrounds directed by Alan Gasser and Katie White.
We are non-auditioned. The ability to read music is helpful but not required.
We are accessible to all through both sliding scale
membership fees and concert tickets.

What we sing: traditional folk songs from around the world, original Canadian
compositions, diverse spiritual music, socially conscious music about women, peace, environmental justice with musical excellence and passionate expression.

Spring Season Fees are $200. (Jan. -May)
We strive to make singing accessible for everyone with a sliding scale policy.
We also accepts donations through
CanadaHelps

Echo Mission Statement
Echo provides a strong, inclusive, mutually supportive, community in the heart of Toronto for women who love to sing. The choir is committed to a unique and eclectic repertoire with a focus on social justice, musical excellence and passionate expression.  We collaborate frequently with musicians who enrich our repertoire with music from a range of genres and diverse cultures.

www.echochoir.ca  
Illustration by Allison Sletcher.

Sing with a welcoming singing community in a beautiful historic building.
Our Spring Season starts on Tuesday, January 6, 7-9pm at Holy Trinity Church.
You are welcome to join us!

We will also host an  Open Rehearsal and Welcome Tea on January 20, 7-9pm at Holy Trinity Church.

We rehearse on Tuesday nights 7-9pm and the occasional Saturday (see schedule below) at
Holy Trinity Church, by the Eaton Centre, accessible south doors.
19 Trinity Square, Dundas Subway Station MAP
Paid parking under Bell Trinity Square, entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen.

Now in our 35th year, Echo is an inclusive, non-audition community choir, a group of harmonizing women of all ages. We are open to all women who can make the weekly rehearsal commitment. The ability to read music is helpful but not required. Echo loves to sing traditional folk music from around the world, celebrating all the cultural traditions that are alive and vibrant in our city. We sing original Canadian compositions, diverse spiritual music, socially conscious music about women, peace and environmental justice. We aim for musical excellence and passionate expression. We are social-justice oriented.

Echo Mission Statement
Echo provides a strong, inclusive, mutually supportive, community in the heart of Toronto for women who love to sing. The choir is committed to a unique and eclectic repertoire with a focus on social justice, musical excellence and passionate expression.  We collaborate frequently with musicians who enrich our repertoire with music from a range of genres and diverse cultures.

Activities include a workshop, open rehearsal & welcome tea, orientation, sectionals, break-end singing, community outreach singing and more! We will learn and finesse new songs in preparation for our Spring Concert on Sunday, May 10.

Season Fees are $200. Spring 2026 (Jan. – May)
We make singing accessible to all through sliding scale membership fees. e-transfers: echotransfer3@gmail.com (automated) Please identify the purpose of the transfer. For example: Spring fees.
We also accept donations through Canadahelps

Please contact Anne if you would like to join us next season starting on Tuesday, January 6 or have questions:
info.echo@gmail.com

Photo: Tim Wainwright

**********

Echo Spring Schedule 2026 Church of the Holy Trinity 19 Trinity Square (beside the Eaton Centre) Accessible

*Saturday Workshop 10-12:30pm tba

January   

Tues. 6   *all Tuesdays 7-9pm 

Tues. 13   Orientation for new members

Tues. 20  Open Rehearsal & Welcome Tea

Tues. 27 

February Spring Fundraiser tba

Tues. 3  

Tues. 10 

Tues. 17
Tues. 24

March 

Tues. 3
Wed. 4 Singing opportunity for International Women’s Day with Penthalia choir event

*Tues. 10 No rehearsal for March Break, but we’ll have sectionals at peoples homes instead

Tues. 17

Tues. 24

Tues. 31

 April

Tues. 7

Tues. 14 

Tues. 21

Tues. 28

May

Tues. 5 

Sat. 9, Dress Rehearsal, 10-2pm (attendance is essential)
Sun. 10, Concert 3pm arrive at 1pm