Everything To Gain - A Tribute to Elaine Gain
There are three words that come up consistently when people describe Elaine Gain: dynamic, energetic and inspiring. Those are the roles one needs to take on, as mastered by Elaine over the past 32 years. The master director of the Greater Kingston Chorus (GKC) retired from that position on January 1, 2012. Elaine grew up in Inverary, a village just north of Kingston. From the age of five, she studied music - including piano, vocal, theory, history and harmony - for 12 years with the Toronto Conservatory of Music. Elaine obtained her degree in music from Queen's University in the mid 1980's. Elaine taught public school for many years and raised two daughters - all the while her passion and dedication to GKC never diminished. Her energy is infectious.
Elaine truly has been the face of Kingston's Sweet Adelines, working tirelessly to ensure the chorus was prepared for annual competitions. For over 29 years GKC has consistently placed first, second or third in regional contests. Having qualified at the Regional level, Elaine competently led the chorus to compete internationally in New Orleans , LA(1994), Portland, OR (2000), Calgary Alberta (2007) and Houston, TX (2011). GKC placed 16th worldwide in Portland. GKC also competed in the Division AA (mid-size chorus) on the international stage in the "Harmony Classic" in Seattle, WA (2010). Now, as her role changes, she will work on vocal arrangements more than ever - selling her arrangements all over the world. She'll also join the rest of the chorus on the "risers" and will be a welcome asset to the bass section.
By Tori Stafford - The Whig Standard (edited with permission)
The words "thank you" are hardly enough. However, the Greater Kingston Chorus wishes to thank Elaine for her years of service to the chorus. Keep on singing, our friend!







