Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

September 12, 1947 in Delevan, NY

Death

:

August 6, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Chris Dedrick was a Canadian composer, arranger, and musician who was born on February 6, 1947, in Stamford, Connecticut. He grew up in Toronto, Canada, where he began his musical journey at a young age. Dedrick's parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue music as a career. Dedrick started playing the piano when he was just five years old, and he quickly showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at the University of Toronto, where he earned a degree in music composition. During his time at university, Dedrick became interested in choral music and began composing pieces for choirs. After graduating from university, Dedrick formed a band called The Free Design with his brothers Bruce and Sandy, and his sister Ellen. The band was known for their unique blend of pop, jazz, and folk music, and they quickly gained a following in Canada and the United States. The Free Design released several albums throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including "Kites Are Fun" and "Stars/Time/Bubbles/Love." In addition to his work with The Free Design, Dedrick also composed music for television and film. He wrote the theme song for the Canadian television show "The Kids of Degrassi Street," and he composed the score for the film "The Rubber Gun." Dedrick's choral music was also highly regarded, and he composed several pieces for choirs throughout his career. One of his most famous choral works is "The Snow," which was commissioned by the Toronto Children's Chorus in 1988. The piece has since been performed by choirs around the world and has become a staple of the choral repertoire. Dedrick continued to compose music throughout his life, and he remained active in the music industry until his death in 2010. He was known for his innovative approach to music and his ability to blend different genres and styles to create something truly unique. In conclusion, Chris Dedrick was a talented composer, arranger, and musician who made significant contributions to the world of music. His work with The Free Design, his choral music, and his film and television scores have all left a lasting impact on the music industry. Dedrick's legacy continues to inspire musicians and composers around the world, and his innovative approach to music will be remembered for years to come.

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