How we got started: On March 28, 2009, at approximately 9:45 pm the curtain came down for the last time in the ACT Production of Evita. It was the end of an experience few people ever get the chance to endeavor. Some local Summerside Musicians, Actors and Dancers were left with a feeling of emptiness. They did not want to stop. They wanted more. They were a group of people who had a vision to promote musical culture within the community and so they came up with a wonderful idea to create a performance venue for local performing artists. In September of 2009 the Fandango Choral Ensemble was formed.

Local musicians were recruited and through the 2009/10 season various performances were successfully accomplished. These performances took the choral ensemble to a high level and further plans were discussed to take the group further to the next step. To create awareness of popular musical theatre culture on Prince Edward Island and to allow citizens the opportunity to perform as actors, musicians and dancers along with participation in the areas of stage management and set design. And so...The Fandango Musical Players Inc. was formed in April 2010.

Our Leaders:
The Executive Directors of Fandango Musical Players Inc. are all involved in music in one form or another.

Our President, Nancy DesRoches, currently works as Registrar with Prince Edward Island Department of Education. Nancy joins us with a very impressive background as the former Producer of Athena Consolidated School Productions of Annie Junior, A Dickens of a Christmas, Aladdin and Seussical. Nancy currently sings Alto with the Fandango Choral Ensemble.

Our Vice-President is Shirley Anne Cameron. Shirley Anne is currently a Teacher at Three Oaks Senior High School. She also instructs private voice lessons at her home. Shirley Anne has a Bachelors of Music Education degree, a Bachelor of Education degree and has completed her master Degree in English. She has a long successful history of involvement in the arts. Shirley Anne was the Music Director for the musical production of Gabriel and Evangeline, ACT PEI's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, ACT PEI's production of Evita along with Athena Consolidated School Productions of Annie Junior, A Dickens of a Christmas, Aladdin and Seussical. Shirley Anne has directed many choirs over the years such as "Eileen", a Celtic Choral Ensemble, the Stratford Community Choir, Athena Junior and Intermediate Choirs and she is currently the Musical Director for Fandango Choral Ensemble.

Also on board, as a Director of Fandango Musical Players Inc. is Tanya Bernard. Tanya is a highly acclaimed musician in our community and has performed with many diverse groups over the years. She was the Accompanist for the Celtic Group "Eileen", the original choir of the College of Piping. Tanya assisted and was a huge contributor in the recording of the College's first CD. For over ten years, Tanya was the Accompanist for the Summerside Community Choir under the Direction of the Lieutenant-Governor. She was also the Accompanist for the Indian River Festival Chorus. Tanya has also been part of various musical groups throughout the years, including the Marcella Richards Band, a local talented Acadian artist. She has also done many studio works with PEI's top Musical Producers. Tanya has also been pianist in ACT PEI's musical productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Today, Tanya enjoys being the accompanist/director of the Notre Dame Choir at St. Paul' Parish in Summerside and we are very proud to have her as the Accompanist for Fandango Choral Ensemble.

Through local support, Fandango Musical Players Inc. is currently in the first phase of our Musical Production Charles Dickens; A Christmas Carol. This production will be held at the Harbourfront Theater in Summerside, Prince Edward Island in December 9, 10 & 11, 2010.

On Saturday December 18, 2010 Fandango Choral Ensemble will be hosting their 2nd annual Christmas Gala. This production will include festive song and dance and a Turkey Dinner with all the fixings.