Dorothy Dyck was born and raised on a farm in western Manitoba near Oak Lake, and her earliest memories revolve around singing with her parents and six siblings. Dorothy studied Education and Music at the University of Manitoba, and from 1997-2024 devoted her expertise and energy to developing the Maples Collegiate Choral Program in north-west Winnipeg. Beginning with one Concert Choir and one Vocal Jazz Choir, the school now has seven choral ensembles including 3 vocal jazz groups.

The Maples Collegiate Choirs have collected a long list of accolades over the years. The Chamber Choir and Senior Vocal Jazz group “Maple Sugar” have been frequent performers at the showcase concert series at the Rocky Mountain Music Festival in Banff, Alberta (2014, 2017, 2019). Maple Sugar has long been looked up to as an excellent vocal jazz ensemble, having received 25 MusicFest Canada recommendations since their beginnings in 1997. The

Chamber Choir has been the recipient of the J. S. Little Trophy (2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024), the Camerata Nova Bursary (2014), and the Earl Grey Trophy for most outstanding school choir (2017). In 2019, the Chamber Choir received the Paul Bourret Award for the most outstanding school choir in all of Canada. The Senior Choir has also been the recipient of the Earl Grey Trophy (2019, 2024), the Camerata Nova Bursary (2024), the Morning Musicale

Award (2024), and the Lieutenant Governor’s Trophy for the most outstanding performance in all categories at the Winnipeg Music Festival (2024).

In 2019 Dorothy received the Michael J. Proudfoot Award, presented to a conductor exemplifying a passion for and excellence in the choral field.

In 2024 Dorothy was presented with the MCA Award of Distinction for Artistic Excellence from the Manitoba Choral Association, in recognition for her contributions to the choral community of Manitoba.

Professionally, beyond teaching, Dorothy has directed Central Manitoba Youth Choir, Eastern Manitoba Youth Choir and Westman Youth Choir, Provincial Honour Choir (vocal jazz), worked as a choral and vocal jazz adjudicator/clinician across Western Canada including at the Brandon Jazz festival, and served as co-chair of Manitoba Choral Association’s Choralfest committee from 2014-2017.

She currently co-directs SonoLux, a vibrant Winnipeg Community Choir and loves the energy and dedication in this wonderful group of singers. She also sings in a 6-member a cappella vocal jazz/pop group, “Due North Voices.”

Recently retired from teaching, Dorothy is looking forward to working with choirs in other capacities including as a clinician and adjudicator, maintaining her hobbies, and doing some travelling.