Amanda Nelli is an accomplished choral conductor and music educator with nearly two decades of experience working with young singers. Known for combining high artistic standards with a supportive and inclusive rehearsal environment, she is passionate about helping young people discover their potential while fostering a lifelong love of music.
As Artistic Director of the Oakville Choir for Children and Youth, Amanda leads a multi-ensemble program centred on artistic excellence, music literacy, leadership, and community. She works closely with singers, families, artistic staff, and volunteers to create meaningful musical experiences where young people are challenged artistically and inspired to reach their full potential.
Previously, Amanda served as Artistic Director of the Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir (CNCC) for over a decade, where she expanded the organization into a four-ensemble program serving singers ages 3 to 18. Under her leadership, CNCC earned multiple gold awards at MusicFest Canada and collaborated with leading artists and organizations, including Measha Brueggergosman, Chorus Niagara, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, and Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts.
Committed to making high-quality choral education accessible to more young people, Amanda founded the Honour Choir Outreach Program, engaging nearly 200 students annually from the District School Board of Niagara. Building on the program’s success, she now serves as Project Lead for SingOntario, a Choirs Ontario initiative that brings high-quality choral experiences to school boards across Ontario through student workshops, teacher professional learning, and large-scale collaborative performances.
As Music Specialist at Fern Hill Private School in Oakville, Amanda has developed a comprehensive Preschool to Grade 8 music program grounded in music literacy, vocal training, and performance. She directs award-winning ensembles, including the Fern Hill Chorus, which has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, earned top honours at provincial and national competitions, and was selected to perform at PODIUM 2026, Choral Canada’s national conference. She has also directed numerous large-scale musical productions, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, Into the Woods, Matilda, Newsies, and The Lion King.
Amanda’s work has been recognized with the St. Catharines Arts in Education Award, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce Women in Business (Cultural Arts) Award, and two nominations for the Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting from the Ontario Arts Council.