About Us

In 1967, during Canada's centennial celebrations, a dozen Whitby citizens, led by Joyce and Joe Wainwright, responded to the Federal Government's invitation to mark Canada's 100th birthday by forming the "County Town Singers".  

The choir's dedication to community service was established early in our history. Singing is great fun, but we also value the opportunity to contribute to the cultural fabric of Durham Region through our commitment to the community. We love entertaining our audiences, from small performances for seniors, service clubs and church fundraisers, to concerts and festivals within our community and abroad. We continue to grow and strive for choral excellence with a wide variety of repertoire that spans every genre and style.

We are a non-profit organization, donating proceeds and efforts to various social causes in Durham. We cover our show related expenses through revenues from membership fees, fundraising and tickets sales. Donations are welcome to help us manage the increasing costs of rehearsing and performing in this community.

We invite requests to perform at various types of private and charitable events. Why? Because we love singing and sharing musical joy with others! If you are interested in partnering in a fundraising concert with our choir, hiring us for your own event, or looking for entertainment for an organization you support, please visit our contact page to get in touch.

Our Directing Team

Richard Heinzle

Musical Director 

Richard feels fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct the County Town Singers. He has been involved in community music making from an early age, starting with the community band in his hometown in Austria.

In Canada, he has conducted a wide variety of choirs including community, church, youth, college, choirs for people with disabilities, and ethnic choirs.
Currently, Richard serves as music director and organist at the Anglican Church of St. Andrew’s in Scarborough, as well as music director of the Aurora
Evergreen Choir and the South Huron Community Choirs.

He graduated from Carleton University with a B.A. in music, from University of Arkansas with a Masters in conducting, and from Ball State University in Indiana with a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting. He has also conducted several orchestras in Canada and the United States.
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Since 2001, Richard has lived in Richmond Hill with his wife Lourdes and their sons, Christopher and Benjamin.​

Craig Garnham

Accompanist​

As a composer, conductor, accompanist, teacher, and music director, Craig Garnham enjoys a multifaceted career in music. He received both his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Classical Music and Master of Arts Degree in Choral Conducting from York University.

In addition to the position of Assistant Director for County Town Singers, he is the Director of Music at St. James Presbyterian Church in Stouffville, and Organist at St. John Chrysostom Parish in Newmarket. 
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Craig also creates and produces a variety of styles of music. To date, he has recorded and released 2 full length albums. Most recently, he conducted, recorded, and produced a virtual performance of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater for Good Friday 2021.

Craig has performed throughout the GTA as well as internationally at events such as the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, as well as at Carnegie Hall in May 2019.
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