Since moving to Sudbury in 1982, Ralph McIntosh has made significant contributions to the community as a teacher, musician, choir director, leader, and church member. A long-time educator with Rainbow District School Board and champion for the arts, Ralph has inspired generations of students to achieve their full potential.
Ralph joined the staff of Sudbury Secondary School’s Performing Arts Program in 1986 where he taught vocal music, musical theatre and piano, produced numerous student recordings, and contributed to musical productions and festivals at the school, community, and provincial levels. Ralph played an integral role in the evolution of Performing Arts into the vibrant Arts Education Program that it is today, where students explore dance, drama, music and the visual arts in the classroom and the community.
Ralph served as Arts Education Co-ordinator in Rainbow Schools from 2005 until his retirement in 2015. Through his leadership and collaboration with teachers, Ralph shared his vision for the arts as an important component of a well-rounded education and a powerful medium for building awareness and affecting change.
In 2008, Ralph was appointed the inaugural Chair of the Joan Mantle Music Trust Steering Committee. To date, over $300,000 has been raised to purchase new instruments for Rainbow Schools. In his current role as the Education Director for YES Theatre, he oversees the theatre’s education programs, facilitates matinee performances for schools and provides curriculum-based materials to support teachers.
Ralph also volunteers his time to support music-making opportunities for children, youth and adults throughout the community. Since the fall of 2012, Ralph has served as General Manager and accompanist for the Young Sudbury Singers. The 60-voice choir provides children and youth an affordable opportunity to learn a wide variety of music in a safe and supportive environment that fosters a lifelong love of singing.
As the current Chair of the Sudbury Music Festival board (formerly the Kiwanis Music Festival of Sudbury), Ralph and his colleagues ensure that participants of all ages have the opportunity to grow personally and musically through performance and evaluation in a supportive, community- oriented atmosphere.
A member of St. Andrew’s United Church for many years, Ralph is well-acquainted with Huntington University and respects the partnerships and historical ties between the two institutions. He is also an active participant in many faith-based activities and musical events throughout the Canadian Shield Region. Most recently he helped to co-ordinate the music for the community-wide worship service celebrating the United Church’s 100th anniversary, held at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre in June 2025.
Ralph continues to be a powerful voice for the arts, and remains dedicated to nurturing an enduring love of music in students and community members.