Our Co-Directors Kelly Edwards & Stephanie Turpin
Co-Director Kelly Edwards
While she has been singing and performing for much of her life, Kelly only discovered barbershop 16 years ago, and it only took one rehearsal to have her completely hooked on singing a cappella harmony. Throughout her life, Kelly has sung wherever she could, joining every school choir and auditioning for every school play and musical … and of course, there was all that harmonizing to songs on the radio or the 45s she played on her Mom’s record player.
Her barbershop journey started with singing Tenor in a small Harmony Inc. chorus near her home in Barrhaven in 2008, which lead to her joining a quartet called "Chatterbox”, further fuelling her love for the craft. Within two years, Kelly had transitioned to SAI, joining Canadian Showtime Chorus in 2010, where she truly found her musical calling - both singing, moving (as part of the Front Row), quartetting, and becoming an active part of chorus life behind the scenes. Kelly was blessed to be have been asked to be the Tenor for an amazing quartet called “High Definition”, and now finds herself happily singing Baritone with a wonderful quartet called “Sound Decision”.
Former director of Bytown Beat Chorus and friend of Kelly's, Janet Cadman, invited Kelly to join Bytown - first as a temporary Tenor for a rehearsal here and there, then to becoming a full-time member, singing whatever voice part the chorus needed (well every one except Lead). A short while later, Kelly was asked to be Janet's Associate Director ... and now she is Co-Director with Stephanie!
When she isn’t doing something related to Sweet Adelines, Kelly sings and plays in a band called “Frozen Echo” with her husband, is avidly involved in charity work, making hand-made items for homeless youth ... and cherishes the time she can spend with family, especially her two adorable granddaughters.
Co-Director Stephanie Turpin
Stephanie is a passionate educator and dedicated barbershop enthusiast. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Education from the University of Ottawa and currently teaches music at Summerside Public School with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.
Stephanie's love for barbershop music began as a member of Canadian Showtime Chorus in 2012 where she sang baritone. As a member of Canadian Showtime she honed her singing skills and developed a deep appreciation for barbershop harmony.
Outside of weekly rehearsals with Bytown Beat, Stephanie is a member of No Compromise Quartet, with Sarah Laham, Erica Hills, and Julie Sykes, where she continues to sing baritone in the barbershop style. The quartet enjoys singing out and competing in Region 16 SAI quartet competitions.
When she isn't making music, Stephanie loves spending time with her loving husband Michael and three kids Charlie, Jamie and Avery.
