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The three vocalists of Marked by Love have been singing together since the Fall of 2003, originally based out of Guelph Citadel corps in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Erin Hann (nee McNeilly) is most frequently heard singing as the upper voice of the trio. Voted by the other trio members as "our soprano", Erin's voice naturally tends to encompass a higher vocal range than the others and yet she often finds plenty of opportunity in Donna's arrangements to sing quite deeply into the alto range. Erin is married and currently lives with her husband in Zambia where they both work for The Salvation Army. She has her MA in International Development and Sociology from the University of Guelph and her Honours BA in Global Studies and Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, ON). Her interests and passions have long gone far beyond the borders of this country. In the Summer of 2005 she worked in South Africa and provided the inspiration of the fundraising facet (Learn about Ethembeni.) of the "Things Thought Impossible" CD. She also did her Master's research work in Botswana. Erin who also plays the cornet is a long time member of the Guelph Citadel Band and a former member of both Impact Brass (one of the divisional youth bands) and the Ontario South Divisional Youth Chorus (more recently known as One in Song).
Celeste Donkersgoed (nee Hong) is the switch hitter of the group, with a special strength found in the low alto range but the flexibility of a mezzo-soprano. Celeste currently sings the middle part, with a keen fondness for the "clashy" notes Donna tends to throw in just for her. Celeste has her BA in Religious Studies from McMaster University (Hamilton, ON) and is currently employed as a Public Relations Specialist at an insurance company in Guelph. She is also a Doula, a Childbirth Educator, and most importantly married since 2000 and the mother of a beautiful little girl. Celeste and the family are awaiting the arrival of their newest member, due at the end of October 2009. Celeste is very active at the corps as a Songster, vocalist, timbrel leader, and pianist -- playing for the Songsters and Sunday meetings. She has been called upon for her vocal soloist skills throughout Southern Ontario and has previously been a member of various youth choruses within the division.
Donna Harris is the songwriter-arranger for the group, and sings the third vocal line much of the time. From time to time Donna can also be heard accompanying the group on acoustic guitar or piano. Donna graduated with an Honours BSc in Computing and Information Science from the University of Guelph. She also has an extensive background in music through the Royal Conservatory of Music and university level music courses. At Guelph Citadel, Donna is the Songster (choir) Leader, plays solo cornet in the Senior Band, and is one of the corps pianists. Donna played in Impact Brass for two separate terms on solo cornet and soprano cornet. The camping ministry of The Salvation Army holds a special place in Donna's heart, especially music camps -- having worked on music camp staffs and faculties in Southern Ontario, West Virginia, and Oklahoma, and having life-changing days as a student at "National". Since 2007 she has been employed as a software tester at a quality assurance company in Guelph. Donna enjoys traveling, exploring new music, and is the proud aunt of four fabulous kids.
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