Faculty Profile

David Warrack: The Man for Whom Everything is Possible

Artists see possibilities that others haven't noticed. David Warrack is the consummate man of possibilities with gifts so diverse that he is well known as a composer, arranger, musical director, conductor and pianist. As a pianist, he moves gracefully from classical, to jazz, to show tunes - he once even had his own rock group.

For the last seven years, the Avenue Road Arts School has been lucky enough to have him as a faculty member. As pianist for the very popular Singing Broadway Showtunes class, he facilitates the songfest with performer extraordinaire, Patrick Rose. The dynamic duo have watched their Monday night sessions grow from 14 participants in the first year, to more than 40 this year. It recently outgrew its home at the school and took up a new residence at the Unitarian Church at St. Clair and Avenue Road.

David must have had a hint of how versatile he was in high school when he formed a band called The Barons Three with two of his teenaged buddies. Among them they played 38 instruments and were invited to perform in lounges in Calgary that they were too young to be admitted to! He graduated from University with enough credits to pursue graduate work in Political Science, English and Music. He chose Music Composition at the University of Toronto and, to date, more than fifty of his musicals have been performed. He has conducted a show on Broadway, and two of his own shows have been produced off-Broadway.

David Warrack travelled across Canada with well-known contralto, Maureen Forrester, performing Interpretations of a Life which he wrote for her. He has also toured solo shows with accomplished jazz singer, Jackie Richardson, and Louise Petrie, the star of Mamma Mia. He is currently touring with acclaimed singer/dancer Jeff Hyslop.

This summer David Warrack will make his long held dream a reality: a pops orchestra for Canada aptly titled The Canada Pops Orchestra. The range of Canada Pops' music will include big band, hip hop, salsa, showtunes - virtually any music imaginable. What makes David's orchestra different is that not all the musicians will be solely classically trained. Many have developed their expertise in studios and concert halls performing every conceivable form of music. They are flexible performers as comfortable at improvising jazz as they are playing Beethoven.

David, who is himself considered one of the finest musicians in the country, has always seen himself as an entertainer as well. He intends to make Canada Pops performances a unique combination of art and entertainment accessible to people of all ages.

Sunday Singalong with David Warrack, April 29: Joint Fundraiser for Arts for Children and Canada Pops

David Warrack will host a Sunday afternoon singalong at the Civic Centre at Edwards Gardens, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, (at Leslie) on Sunday, April 29 from 2-4:30 p.m.

Join us for a rollicking afternoon, singing your favorite showtunes while supporting two wonderful projects. David is donating his time, and the use of the hall has been donated as well, so all proceeds will go towards Arts for Children's Hospital Renewal project and the Canada Pops Orchestra. Come and be entertained by one of Canada's most remarkable musicians. At the same time you will be supporting two exciting new initiatives in the arts.

Tickets ($25) must be purchased in advance. Call Genevieve at: (416) 961-1502 by April 25th. Seating is limited.

Art and Sign Studio

Deaf and hearing students from our Art and Sign class appear on City-TV's Breakfast Television show with instructor Susie Whaley.

We're Finally Using the Front Door!

The next time you come to the school you will notice some changes. To accommodate our growing administrative staff, the present office and reception areas are switching places.

Please bear with us while we undergo the changes.