Hart House Jazz Choir
We are the University of Toronto's Hart House Jazz Choir, otherwise known as Onoscatopoeia: a mixed, 15-voice choir that sings jazz, pop, and R&B music. Most importantly, we sing a cappella! Harmonies blend to form all the necessary lines to a piece of music. Our only instruments are our voices, and what may sound like a wailing trumpet may just be one of our sopranos.
We actively perform at private and public function across Ontario and have previously been one a handful of Canadian semi-finalists in the International Competition of Collegiate Acapella.
We strive to develop our musical skills while balancing an atmosphere of fun and
camaraderie. Ultimately, we want to make great music!
Our Music Director
Jeff Magee.
Jeff Magee has been on the a cappella scene in Toronto long before Glee was a thing. A graduate of
the University of Toronto’s music education program, Jeff has been working with voices of all shapes
and sizes for 15 years. Jeff began his a cappella journey with Onoscatopoeia in 2004, recording two
CDs and performing at various competitions, gigs and a US tour. Jeff also was the musical director
of TBA. Tunes Beats Awesome for 6 years, leading them to two ICCA semi-finals births and winning
awards for best arrangements, best soloists, and himself as a best vocal percussion. Last year,
Jeff was honoured with the opportunity to judge at the ICCA quarterfinals.
In his spare time, Jeff works for the Toronto District School Board as a high school music teacher for students with special needs. Jeff prides himself as someone who provides ‘music education for everyone’ with the positive mentality that everyone can be successful. His choir life is no different.
Jeff believes in a fun, light-hearted atmosphere while challenging each individual to stretch their musical limits to reach their full potential. Jeff is looking forward to a year of musical excellence, companionship and growth as Onoscatopoeia takes off on one of it’s most ambitious years ever!
Sing with Us!
Speaking of camaraderie, we are always interested in meeting and singing with other similar groups from around North America. If your university or college a cappella group is coming through the Toronto, Canada area (especially around the time of our end-of-term concerts), we'd love to try to arrange a workshop and/or performances with you. Drop us a line!