Composer in Residence

Tobin Stokes

Tobin was born in North Vancouver and first lived in Horseshoe Bay B.C. His family moved to Powell River, where he eventually became a charter member of the award-winning Powell River Boy's Choir, performing, competing and touring in many countries. He trained as a pianist, and went on to study music at the University of Victoria. He holds a degree in percussion and has spent the last fifteen years composing music for television, events, theatre, and the concert stage.

With years of experience as a performer in many genres, Tobin is comfortable working in a variety of styles. He composes both traditionally, sitting with paper and pencil at a piano - and also in a production studio. These days a regular working week often includes scoring documentaries for The National Film Board, or something destined for the Discovery Channel or Global. He could be putting finishing touches on a choral piece for a tour or festival, or a sound design for a theatre project, or a piece for orchestra or small ensemble such as a piano trio or brass quintet.

Recent awards include a 2003 Jessie Award for his music at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, two critics choice awards for his music for theatres in Victoria, the "Most Notable Composer" award from a newspaper in Victoria, and most recently, a 2004 Leo award for his music for "Living Things We Love To Hate" for the Discovery Channel.

After living and composing in Vancouver, Toronto, the Gulf Islands, and Montreal, he is now based in Victoria, B.C.