Performer, Director, Arranger, Producer
Upon completion of her classical studies with Edward Parker, Ms. Colpitts began an active career in Vancouver as rehearsal/performance pianist and/or Musical Director for over 50 musicals at the community (MUSSOC, Metro, York) and professional (ARTS CLUB, VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE, THEATRE UNDER THE STARS) level. She was rehearsal pianist under the direction of Bev Fyfe for the Vancouver Opera Association, as well as many variety shows produced by the CBC, BCTV and the PNE. Carol enjoyed the privilege of collaborating with esteemed directors, Otto Lowy and James Johnston, choreographers Grace McDonald and Valerie Easton and has worked with many of Canada’s best Actors including Tony-award winner Brent Carver.
Carol and her family moved to Kelowna in 1990, and following a short respite, she resumed her career as Musical Director for MASK (1994-2001), ENCORE (2001-2006) and as Celebrative Arts Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church (2004-2008). For 10 seasons, Ms. Colpitts performed throughout Western Canada with the late Michael Burgess, and has toured extensively with Melina Schein and Peter Karrie, with whom she collaborated for the PHANTOM OF THE VILLA and HERE THE PEOPLE SING Concert Series at the Okanagan Villa Estate Winery. Most recently she was principal pianist for the debut tour of ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER IN CONCERT, and TENORE’s Christmas Tour 2019.
Carol was Musical Director of Sparking Hills’ production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC (with the OSO). She is currently the principal pianist/keyboardist for the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and is their Chorus pianist and administrator. Carol was the guest accompanist at ChorFest 2016 and Senior ChorFest 2019. She is a much sought after accompanist and clinician. Her unique blend of classical, pop, light jazz and contemporary piano styles are often heard at functions throughout the valley.
She is a prolific choral and orchestral arranger which includes works for the Winnipeg and Okanagan Symphony Orchestras, vocal arrangements for the trio THREE TO THE BAR and transcriptions of the compositions by Arnold Draper for publication.
Carol is a Director and Treasurer of the newly formed Kelowna Citizens for a New Performing Arts Society whose mission is to accelerate the building of a world class performing arts centre in Kelowna.
Carol and her (very musical) husband, Dennis, have two daughters: Sarah (Physician) and her husband Tim (Architect) live in Calgary; Alison (Lawyer) in Vancouver.