Biography

The Early Years

Central Alberta Theatre's production of Oklahoma!

After playing "Laurey" in Oklahoma! with the Victoria Operatic Society, Corinda took a Greyhound to move from Victoria back to Innisfail. She did this so she could audition for the special 20th Anniversary production of "Oklahoma!" by the Central Alberta Theatre. Corinda had asked to audition for "Ado Annie"; they wanted her to play "Laurey".

The rehearsals through the prairie winter were grueling and required many taxi trips from her parents' home in Innisfail to Red Deer. (Corinda still remembers icy conditions on Antler Hill on the Highway 2 route.) She was already familiar with the script, but performing with the new cast made it more interesting. The production played at the Red Deer College Arts Centre for two weeks.

See review: "All classic tunes in Oklahoma!," Bob Weber, Red Deer Advocate

Vocal coach Carmen Tellier

Upon returning to Alberta in 1988, Corinda started working with the highly-recommended vocal coach, Carmen Tellier. Carmen was helpful in the Oklahoma! role with Central Alberta Theatre (which required Corinda to make regular trips to Calgary between rehearsals), during the recording of the Corinda's debut album, and for several years thereafter. Carmen Tellier had a strong positive influence on Corinda's singing and her presentation.