Meet the team
Candace Santos
Musical Director
Candace Santos serves as the musical director and choral conductor for Musika Children’s Chorus in Mississauga, Ontario. With a passion for music that began at an early age, she has over nine years of experience in teaching and directing. Candace holds a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Music from York University and is a registered music teacher with the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association.
At Musika, she brings her expertise in various genres, including musical theatre, classical, pop, R&B, gospel, and soul, guiding young choristers to achieve their best. Candace is dedicated to fostering a love for music and excellence in her students, preparing them for performances and competitions while encouraging their growth as musicians. Her commitment to nurturing talent is complemented by her extensive performance background, including accolades such as the National Grand Champion title in the Canadian Youth Talent Competition and multiple gold medals at the World Championships of Performing Arts. Candace's leadership at Musika inspires choristers to explore their musical abilities and express themselves through song.
Anthony Trinidad
Assistant Musical Director
Immerse yourself in the soulful music of Musika Children's Chorus, with songs that will captivate your heart and soul.
Dion J Flores
Guest Conductor
Dion Flores is a music educator, community musician, conductor, and pianist who serves as a guest conductor for Musika Children’s Chorus. Trained at Wilfrid Laurier University and Memorial University, Dion has been involved in music for over 25 years and is a dedicated researcher of Filipino community music. He actively works in both Waterloo and Toronto, drawing on his meaningful experience as a choral singer and school music teacher.
Currently pursuing doctoral studies in community music, Dion's research focuses on Filipino-Canadian musical life and strategies for decolonization and (re)indigenization within the Filipino diaspora. In 2023, he founded the Kitchener-Waterloo Centre for Filipino-Canadian Music, Language, and Culture (KW Sentro), where he serves as the Executive and Artistic Director, aiming to deliver high-quality cultural programming to the community.
Dion's conducting training has equipped him with strong leadership skills, allowing him to direct group singing and choral programs in various contexts, including children’s choirs and community centers. He is committed to challenging traditional Euro-centric pedagogies in music education, advocating for culturally responsive practices that address critical issues faced by the Filipino-Canadian community, such as intergenerational language loss, equity, and cultural preservation.
Yvette Simon
President
Yvette Simon is the President of Musika Children's Chorus and one of its longest-serving members, having joined in 2012. A devoted family woman and mother of three, she is actively involved in her church choir and balances her entrepreneurial pursuits with a full-time job. Yvette finds joy in serving her community and connecting with others.
Her ability to build long-lasting relationships with both current and former Musika members has been key to her leadership role in the organization. Yvette is proud to continue the legacy of Tommy De Guia and Jun Cabioc, who were instrumental in founding Musika Children's Chorus. She brings unique strengths to the organization that reflect her commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all members.