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Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Karina knew from a very young age that she wanted to perform and share her gift of music with the rest of the world. She started singing in her church choir and the Palatine Children's Chorus and studied privately in Hoffman Estates with Gisela Goettling from the age of seven to the age of eighteen. During elementary school, Karina began to play the French horn as a hobby, and as a tool to help her learn to read music and learn music theory. She studied the horn up until she graduated high school. In high school, Karina had the honor of singing the National Anthem at many home football, basketball, and soccer games. With her school choir, she traveled to Orlando, Florida and New York City to perform at Epcot Center and Carnegie Hal under the direction of Robert Greenl. Karina also competed in both local and state wide music competitions, earning her a three time placement in the Illinois Music Educator's Association All District Choir, as well as a two time placement in the All State Choir. During her senior year of high school, Karina was placed into the All State Honor's Choir and was recognized by High School District 211 for this incredible accomplishment. In 2002, Karina moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There, she studied voice and music theory with the Classical Music Conservatory and the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as the French horn. Further wanting to explore her love of music, she began private lessons in piano and classical guitar. In addition to her schooling, Karina also found time to be the Principle Alto in Counterpoint Chorale and the St. Vladimr's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, both under the direction of William Woloschuk. Karina also made appearances with the Toronto Opera Reportoire and Ryerson University Chorus. Karina moved back to Chicago for a year and a half in 2006 to study voice full time. Karina studied at the Chicago Studio of Professional Singing with Janice Pantazelos from 2006 to 2007 before deciding to move back to Toronto in the fall of 2007. She was a soloist in the studio's production of the "Do It Yourself Messiah", based on Handel's oratorio "The Messiah". After moving back to Toronto in 2008, Karina continued her musical studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In her spare time, Karina enjoys practicing hot yoga. She became a certified and registered yoga instructor in 2007 and teaches throughout Toronto and the surrounding suburbs. Yoga has also opened up many different avenues of music for her, especially the study of Kirtan, or musical, devotional yoga of the voice, and she chants and goes to Kirtans regularly. Karina loves this practice, as it is cleansing for the soul and the heart. Karina completed her undergraduate studies in social work and psychology at Ryerson University. She endeavors to go back to school for a second degree in music. Currently, Karina is teaching yoga around southwestern Ontario. In May, she successfully auditioned to be a part of the 2009-2010 Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Mendelssohn Singers. Karina is very excited to be joining this world-reknowned chorus and is looking forward to singing with them this upcoming season. Karina can be found around the city of Toronto, singing in kirtans, open mics, and for her students after her yoga classes. Karina is readily available for recording sessions, church services, weddings, and parties. She is also available for voice and music theory lessons. For more information, pricing, or to book a lesson, please contact Karina at curbside.yogini@gmail.com. |