Professional Staff

Musical Director:  Josheph P. McEachren

Joseph hails from the East Coast where music is well rooted in its riche and unique history. He began his musical studies at an early age and pursued a professional music education. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Memorial University. In addition he has completed two graduate programs. He has had the distinct pleasure of singing under the direction of many of Canada and the world's finest choral conductors such as Elmer Isler, Lydia Adams, Laurence Ewashko, and Barbara Clarke to name but a few. Joseph has directed numerous music ensembles and is still actively singing within the Ottawa area. He is thrilled to be directing the Ottawa Gay Men's Chorus and very much looks forward to connecting to the community through the power of music.

Accompanist: Vincent Mar

Vincent was born in Montreal, but grew up in Edmonton and worked in Calgary before coming to Ottawa. He’s been playing piano since he was six, but his degrees are in computing science (University of Alberta) and translation (University of Ottawa). He was a systems analyst in Calgary for many years before moving to Ottawa to change careers. Now he works as a mild-mannered translator by day and prolific accompanist by night.

The first gay event Vincent ever attended was “In the Name of Love,” a concert by the Calgary Men’s Chorus, with guest A Vancouver Women’s Chorus. Since then, he has been a singer and accompanist in the CMC, performer in ¡OLÉ!, and accompanist for the Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus and its sister choir, Tone Cluster.

Director Emeritus:  Gordon Johnston

Gordon Johnston, founding conductor of the Ottawa Gay Men's Chorus, has acquired an extensive musical background. He was tickling the keys of his parents' Willis piano at the age of five and has since become proficient on both the organ and the harp. 

Gordon started conducting choruses even before doing his studies in music at the University of Calgary and Brigham Young University. While living in Utah, he was guest organist at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. As director of OGMC, Gordon brought to the gay and lesbian community of Ottawa-Hull his considerable musical talents. 

Effective the Pride 1998 Concert, Gordon has retired his position as musical director of the OGMC.  The Chorus will very much miss him at the helm during practices and concerts.  We wish him well in his future endeavours and will always welcome him as "our number 1 cheerleader" and Director Emeritus.