Julie Ryall (Secretary and Incoming President)

What is your occupation?

I am a Registered Dietitian.

How long have you been a member of WON? 

I first became a member of Women of Note for the 2017-2018 season. In my second year I joined the Board of Directors.

What prompted you to join WON? 

It had been nearly 20 years since I was active in a choir, and I was definitely ready to get back into it. I did some research on different choirs in Winnipeg and attended a Women of Note spring concert event. I enjoyed listening to the performance and the atmosphere of the event. I felt as though this group could be a good fit for me. I also noted there were plans for a Women of Note Folk Fest the following spring, and I love to sing folk music. I contacted the Choir Manager for more information and she was very friendly and helpful. I got a better sense of the time commitment involved, and I found that the schedule was not too demanding for me. Although I was quite nervous heading into the audition, Pat immediately put me at ease. It was evident I would be working with a very talented Artistic Director and I could learn a lot from her.

Which voice part are you?

I sing Soprano 2 with the Chamber Singers.

What are your favourite types of music? 

I enjoy a variety of music genres. What I choose to listen to at any given time depends on my mood and what I am trying to accomplish. I have my car radio tuned to stations that play 80s, 90s, or current rock and pop songs. I will often listen to rock, folk and disco songs from the 60s and 70s. I also enjoy singing along to Broadway musical soundtracks and certain Disney songs. My husband and I try to make it to at least one WSO performance a season since we both appreciate classical music.

In addition to singing, what are some of your hobbies / interests?

I love to travel and am always excited to plan my family's next vacation. In the past I participated in a lot of running events, but more recently have taken up cycling, Zumba and Pilates. For entertainment, I prefer live concerts, theatre shows and occasional Jets, Moose and Goldeyes games. I completed Grade 8 piano in high school and have recently resumed playing on a regular basis. I am now a hockey mom, and am proud to cheer on my son at his various activities. I also enjoy watching our nieces and nephew at softball, basketball, baseball and school concerts. One of my favourite things to do is plan fun events for family and friends. I value the time spent together and the memories created.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I never learned how to skate or swim as a child. I have been taking lessons in both as an adult.

What has being a member of WON meant to you?

​I am thrilled to be back singing in a choir. I have a young child, and Women of Note has encouraged me to take time for myself to do something that invigorates me. While walking into a room full of strangers felt a bit intimidating at first, my fellow choir members created a warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendships quickly developed. I appreciate opportunities to socialize with and learn more about other members outside of rehearsals. The music Pat selects challenges me, and I feel a sense of accomplishment when I work at it and feel ready to perform it. The journey from the pre-concert jitters to hearing the audience applaud at the end is an amazing experience.