Sarah Wood

Classically trained and influenced by everything from Sondheim to Satie, Sarah M.Wood's musical career began at the tender age of 10 when she composed her first piece of music on her mother's piano. Since then, Sarah has written over 250 pieces of music on both piano and guitar. Her musical style ranges from classical to jazz, theatrical to sacred, and her live performances have included everything from intimate solos to instrumental ensembles and accompaniment for three-choir choruses

Raised in Nanaimo in a very creative family, Sarah has been motivated by both family and circumstances to compose music for all ages in many genres. From lessons at the Victoria Conservatory of Music to Malaspina College in Nanaimo, she maintains that ultimately it was her mother who inspired her most throughout the years. Her participation in musical theatre came to a head in 1988 when a chance encounter with a British publicist persuaded her to produce her first musical theatre production entitled Don't You Think It's Time? The lure of the theatre stage continues to woo her as she lives the drama of day-to-day, but it is her family, faith and the natural beauty of her beloved Vancouver Island which consistently inspires all her musical compositions.

In 2011 Sarah was awarded the Vancouver Island Music Award (VIMA) for her instrumental album of original compositions "Ocean Tapestry", a compilation of piano pieces reflecting the 12 months of the year. Commenting on the recording, Mary Ann Moore of More Living Magazine wrote that she could hear the ocean in Sarah's music. "Her compositions are a hint of Broadway meeting the Pacific-Northwest ocean and rainforest, with a connection to the divine."

For nearly a decade, Sarah has enjoyed the privilege of playing the Port Theatre's Steinway concert grand to a frequently full house at the VIU convocation ceremonies. She has performed her original music at the Nanaimo Art Gallery, the Port Theater and the Diner's Rendezvous as well as coffee-houses, fund-raisers and house-concerts through-out the mid-island. Currently, Sarah is working towards producing her second full-length musical theatre production entitled Take off or Take the Fall.

Talia Bowell

My name is Talia Bowell and I am 14 years old. I have performed in various events since I was very little, yet this is the first time that I have ever been featured in an album. I guess you could say that I am very excited! Without a doubt, singing is my passion- along with acting, so I love musical theatre! I believe that the performing arts are a great way of expressing yourself and letting go of the little things that get on your mind. I know that around the holidays life can get a bit hectic, so I hope that the music arranged on this album helps you and your family enjoy yourselves this season and get in the christmas spirit! I'd like to give a big thank you to Sarah Wood, my family and everyone else who dedicated their time to make this happen. It was an honour to work with you all!